5 Things VC Investors Wish Startup Founders Knew Before Their Pitch | Dose 025

How do investors evaluate startups? Here are the top 5 things VCs want founders to know.

In this Dreamit Dose, Managing Partner Steve Barsh covers several key points on what investors look for in startups. Investor pitch analysis isn’t very complicated once you understand that the questions investors ask are based around the core questions investors need to know. How investors assess startups isn’t always about poking holes or why investors say no, it’s often sorting and running founders through a proper framework to truly understanding the company in front of them. That’s why VCs often cut founders off - there are key questions investors need answered and a limited amount of time to cover them. From a VC point of view, Steve outlines what he looks for in a startup. This is important context to make sure you address critical areas of interest for investors. So, what do investors want to hear? Get 5 things VCs want founders to know in about 5-minutes!

00:00 - Intro
00:36 - #1 What's Your Problem?
01:41 - #2 How Are You Clever?
02:32 - #3 Who's Your Competition?
03:18 - #4 What's Your Go To Market?
03:57 - #5 What Are Your Projections?
05:11 - Takeaways
05:47 - Outro

[Bears_n_Lions]

I had my very first pitch last week, finishing my presentation only hours before I had the talk. Let's say it wasn't a great start, but they didn't say no yet. After watching this video I have made big changes to the presentation and I could visibly see them being more interested and asking better questions. My pitch is to the point and shows what they potential investors want to see. I am convinced of my idea and nobody has yet proven me wrong. I just have to be able to gain trust with the right people.

So thank you for these wonderfull insights

[jonathanhuang]

I am glad that I have reached a point where I no longer need to pitch to VCs.

[JustRelaxiFy]

I am studying finance at BI business school in Norway and I dont understand how you dont have more subscribers. Great job explaining some of the most important facts that might seem obvious at first, but that so many people forget. Hope you keep your motivation up and make more videos! Love the content, Leo.

[involuntarilycelebrate]

just prepared my pitch, and after watching this video I can check off that I have all these topics covered! thank you for the video cuz that makes me feel a lot more confident and I'm on the right track

[ordinarymatt]

I started my own company 14 years ago. It was family money. I’m a Co-Founding Chair of a Nonprofit. I’ve never had to formally pitch. I may need to for my upcoming venture. This was insightful. Thanks for the content.

[isaaccabrera]

This is really great, I am actually starting my business which is outsource staffing for Startups, so its not a startup, but now I know what my potential clients might be needing help with... jjjmmm Gotta figure out how to keep my CAC low, while creating this type of content for them... Dreamit please make a video on Some Tips for B2B to keep a low CAC and a big LTV.. that would be THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO

[karthikdr]

Great insight! I'm a founder of a collaborative content creation platform learning the intricacies of raising SAFE and pre seed rounds. And came across this gem. Seems obvious at first, but peeling back the layers also applies to us to scrutinize our own pitch and its (m)any weaknesses. You sir have added great value to me. Hoping to be the sponge on your data table.

[shaukatali]

Excellent presentation. This will help me to pitch for my renewable HVAC system.

[doriansimon]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this video, and pretty much all the Dreamit doses. but this one in particular is super helpful as we finish our deck and organize our info

[xraylife]

"No pulse and the body is cold - no need to do anything further" I love this guy.

[dianegaillard]

Being challenged on your assumptions is key!

[speed]

You’re simply the best at distilling all this information and presenting in such an engaging way.🎉

[olisaemekaani]

I'm 14, and i dream of owning a startup.thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

[homeschoolhall]

Great tips, and love the bloopers at the end! 🤣

[HuguesMarceau]

Hi Steve. Great video as always :). May you please detail how boring can be great and how to use overlooked problems to one's advantage? Thanks.

[shannons]

Haha, love these videos even though I feel personally attacked 😂

[tonnynganda.h]

Hello steve.
I really love your content, Thank you so much.

[mamiresan]

I have learned many things by watching your informative vids.. hopefully i can get my AI or VC before this year ends 🙏🙏🙏

[mouaz_khaldi]

Appreciate the information in this video.

[ahmadalanazy]

Thank u, ,as usual great wisdom, thank you.