Preparing for your meeting

We have put together a list of questions to help you prepare for a venture capital meeting and to provide guidance on the areas our team likes to discuss. Of course, these questions should not be interpreted as a strict agenda. You should present in the manner that best conveys your particular opportunity.

"Elevator Pitch"

In a concise manner, describe what your company does:
  • What do you sell
  • Who do you sell it to
  • Why do they buy it
Corporate Information
  • Founding date (month/year)
  • Location(s)
  • Structure
  • Number of employees (full-time, part-time)
Management
  • A brief overview of all key members.
  • Highlight all relevant experience and discuss hiring needs going forward.
Market Opportunity

  • Describe the target market.

  • How big is the market today?
  • How fast is it growing?
  • What are the growth/opportunity drivers?
Distribution/Sales Strategy
  • What is the value proposition for target customers (why do they care)?
  • How will you reach the customers?
  • Who are the decision makers within the target customers and how do you gain access to them?
  • How much will this sales process cost?
Customers
  • Who are your key customers?
  • If you are pre-revenue, who are your beta customers or who will you target as beta customers?
  • What does your sales pipeline look like?
Product Development
  • Status of product?
  • Outline key milestones and expected completion dates.
Business and Revenue Model
  • What is your economic model?
  • List prior year actuals and years one through five revenue and profit margin estimates.
  • What is the assumed number of customers per year and what percentage market share would that be?
  • What are the key assumptions in your model?
  • How and when will you make money?
Competition
  • Who are your competitors?
  • How do you differentiate yourself?
  • What is your sustainable advantage?
Risks
  • What do you worry about?
  • What could go wrong?
  • In particular, you should be prepared to address the following potential risk factors:
    • Market Risk
    • Product/Service Risk
    • Management Risk
    • Financing Risk
Historical Financing
  • Current investors
  • Amount raised
  • Date raised
  • Post-money valuation
  • Option pool
  • Current capitalization table
Proposed Financing
  • Total amount to be raised
  • Amount already committed
  • Valuation expectations
  • Proposed future financings