A lot of people have recently reached out asking questions and advice on fundraising. So I am compiling a thread on my experience as a first time entrepreneur. 1/10
#startups #funding #fundraising

1. Outreach: We know getting intros is the best way. But if you don't have the network, always, always personalize your mails! Make them succinct! Make sure you stand out! Make sure you tell the investor why he needs to listen to you. 2/10

2. Build a brand: Without spending money. At @Localeai, we started writing about our story, experiences, our problems & challenges. This led to a lot of investors reaching out to us directly! 3/10

3. Pitching: I hate the word "pitching". I always went to a meeting with the money of having a nice conversation & enjoying it thoroughly. I never used PPTs because I liked the idea of free floating conversations. 4/10

4. Choosing VCs: My best memories from the experience was brainstorming with investors. Don't just take no- ask why. Ask them why you will fail. I chose an investor who I loved brainstorming with. 5/10

5. Process: It's definitely a draining process but teaches you a lot. When you're building something new, you will find a lot of people who you don't believe in what you're doing. Just need to find out the select few who do! 6/10

6. Sales vs Investment Pitches: This is a subtle one. You need to make the use cases for investment as broad as possible whereas with sales, as personalized as possible! 7/10

7. The problem: Even though you probably would have never done this before, but if you really care about the problem, the passion shows & sometimes that's enough. 8/10

8. (Last tip) Customers: Nothing can beat this! The more you know about your customers, the stronger you become. Nothing can beat this, trust me!
Knowledge feeds into confidence & vice- versa. 10/10

9. (+1) Bonus one on investors: Don't let investors drag you along. The best ones always tell you within 2-3 meetings. Make sure you keep asking them how the decision making process is!