Anyone who founds a startup relies either on bootstrapping or on investor capital. Every founder seeking capital for their company faces a major challenge with the second type of financing, which can be summed up quite simply in the question: “What is the best way for a founder to approach an investor?” Deutsche-Startups.de asked 25 founders exactly this question. Here are their answers.
You can actually skip the cold calling or mailing. The best approach is always personal, ideally with an introduction.
Christopher Kampshoff, Lendstar
It all depends on what kind of investor you're looking for. You should definitely be able to explain in a few minutes why the idea will work and why you're the right person to implement it.
Christine Kiefer, Pair Finance
“Investors have an attention span like a goldfish”
Always through your network. Recommendations are essential. And you might even go directly to some investors you don't actually want. Pitching is like any sport. Practice makes perfect.
Marko Wenthin, solarisBank
A warm intro. If you don't have one, practice until you can say your startup's USP in one sentence—and say it at the beginning, no suspense! Investors have the attention span of a goldfish!
Jan Dzulko, everphone
It's best if someone approaches you. But unfortunately, that's rarely the case. Konstantin Urban, windeln.de
