How to Tell Your Company's Story The co-founder of Thumbtack, a service that matches local professionals with customers, talks about pitching your company when fundraising.

By James McKinney

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Marco Zappacosta is the co-founder and CEO of Thumbtack, a service that matches customers with local professionals. In this clip from an episode of "The Startup Story" podcast, Zappacosta talks about fundraising and shares tips for pitching venture capitalists. His tips are:

  1. Know your audience and their goals
  2. Make your pitch a story with a narrative
  3. Ground the audience in the significance of the problem that will inevitably be solved — and that you and your company are the best solution, and why
  4. Start with the problem, not the product
  5. Communicate clearly that you understand the market, the dynamics, the competitive landscape and how your approach speaks to those specifics

Related: How to Turn Your Idea Into a Business

James McKinney

Creator & Host, The Startup Story

James McKinney is the Founder & Host of The Startup Story, a multi-channel brand platform that brings the lessons of highly successful founders directly to the everyday founder. Whether it is through The Startup Story podcast or via the Startup Story LIVE event series, entrepreneurs everywhere can receive tactical and practical guidance from founders who are a few steps ahead.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business Ideas

These Retirees Just Wanted Their Cats to Drink More Water. Now Their Remote Side Hustle Makes $80,000 a Year.

This couple wanted to make and sell something from the comfort of their home. Now they're offering up their playbook for others.

Business News

Taylor Swift Reportedly Pays All Restaurant-Goers' Checks to Clear Out Restaurant For Her and NFL Star Travis Kelce

The star was spotted at Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs game Sunday night alongside Kelce's mother.

Business News

'Please Fix This': Elon Musk Frantically Emails Employees During Livestream Glitch

Musk attempted to livestream his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Leadership

A Guide to Effective Crisis Leadership — Key Steps to Lead Your Team Through Turbulent Times

The essential strategies and skills required to be a successful crisis leader and guide your organization through difficult times.

Business News

Costco Isn't Facing Devastating Surges in Theft Like Target and Walmart — and the Reason Is Very Simple

The retailer's CFO revealed its strategy during a fourth-quarter-earnings call.