Get All Access for $5/mo

VC Meeting Checklist Don't waste potential investors' time--and ruin your chances of funding--by not being prepared. Before meeting with potential investors, be sure you can answer these questions.

Just as you wouldn't start a business without planning, you shouldn't approach a venture capitalist without preparation. Before investing in your company, venture capitalists will ask some tough questions about your management experience, your plans for the company...and your plans for their money. Before meeting with potential investors, be sure you can answer these questions:

Why did you start your company?
Where do you see your company going?
What problems do you see your company encountering?
What do you see as the company's main markets?
How do you plan to capitalize on those markets?
Who is your competition?
How do you plan to handle your competition?
What have you invested in the company?
How did you arrive at your financial projections?
When do you expect to meet the projections?
What type of financial controls do you have to prevent disorganization or embezzling, to handle accounts receivable and payable, to ensure adequate inventory (dual signature, check control, purchase orders, etc.)?
Who does your accounting?
What is your company's short- and long-term business plan?
Where do you see the company going in five years? In 10 years?
What are your criteria for site selection?
Who is your customer?
How many employees do you have? What do they do?
What additional personnel do you feel will need to be hired and when?
What is your overhead?
Who are your suppliers?
Do you have long-term contracts with suppliers?
How does the company plan to use the funds from our firm?
What is the seasonability of the company's business?
What type of growth have you seen in your industry?

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.