How startups can improve their pitch and attract investment: tips from trackers and investors

Andrey Palтусov, Lead Tracker

When analyzing competitors, it is important to consider both sides. Pay attention to the fact that your competitor comparison table has names but lacks specific metrics. It is important to add these indicators for a more accurate assessment.

If you have a startup related to a marketplace, it is important not only to set competitive prices for goods but also to improve the quality of card descriptions, their personalization, and promotion. Perhaps by introducing additional features for an additional fee. This will help fill possible gaps and increase the competitiveness of your product in the market.

Show your traction in terms of technological readiness: what you have done and will do next.

Do not miss the opportunity to show the economic model in calculations: your costs, where they will go.

It would also be great if the roadmap contained not only plans and results on revenues, but also the necessary investments from venture and other investors. Also clarity in the actions that you will take.

Kirill Sivolapov, Lead Tracker

It is important to check and confirm the figures presented. Show what goals are being pursued, why you are looking for investments, and what results are expected.

Dana Blieva, Business Angel Umai Angels club, @bliyeva

As investors, we always look at founders: how energetic they are, how much they believe in their ideas, and are convinced that their startup will be successful.

It is also important for us to get an exit. That is, not just remain an investor in this business for some unlimited amount of time. We invest money to see the prospect of exiting this startup. In your startup presentations, it is useful to discuss when an exit from the investment is expected, who can be a potential buyer, and how the return on investment will be ensured. This can be an IPO or the sale of the company to a strategic buyer who will be interested in the product being created.

As investors, our goal is to invest $1 and get $10 in a few years, ideally. We strive for a multiple return on investment — two, three, ten, or even twenty times. We follow successful startups in the global market and always focus on global opportunities. It is important to present investors with the prospects of exiting the deal and how they can earn on their investments.

Irakli Kashibadze, Managing Partner Future Laboratory Ventures, Linkedin

In the future, consider not only regional aspects, but also the global potential of your innovative products. It is important that you develop products and technologies that can change the market not only in the US, but also in other countries. Competing with large global corporations requires global thinking and ambitions.

As venture investors, we are interested in startups that can provide significant returns — from tens of millions to a billion. Consider complex and specialized problems in large markets, including adaptation and development for the American and other developed markets.

Also, keep an eye on the development of new social trends and identities that can significantly affect the demand for your product. Consider such trends as veganism or mental health, which can become key to a multi-billion dollar business.