I've Raised Over $20 Million for My Businesses. Here's How to Get the Attention of Venture Capitalists. Think big and pitch with passion.

By Neil Patel Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Entrepreneur Network

In this video, Entrepreneur Network partner Neil Patel breaks down a few tips on how to successfully secure investments from venture capitalists. First off, go in with the approach of raising just a little over what you need. If you accrue an excessive amount, down the line all this extra money will simply go back to the investors.

Next up, avoid getting passed over by investors (and getting handed that "we'll get back to you" excuse) but developing a relationship with VCs. Patel stresses not simply picking random people to fund your business, but opting for those you know better than a single, one-off conversation. He also brings up the common platitude that it's about "who you know" to emphasize the importance of networking during your business's fundraising round. Also if you can, find a co-founder to help you diversify the company's expertise and also show investors there is enough bandwidth to succeed.

Patel also encourages companies to think big in their original concept. If you're going to pitch an idea to an investor, approach them with a big idea that will present to VCs a lot of potential value, especially if they have a sizeable stake in your company.

Finally, show your passion. If you're not all the way invested in your company, why should somebody else?

Click play to hear more tips on how to approach pitching your business to venture capitalists.

Related: How Making Naïve Mistakes Led Me to Ultimate Success

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Neil Patel

Co-founder of NP Digital

Neil Patel is the co-founder of NP Digital. The Wall Street Journal calls him a top influencer on the web, Forbes says he is one of the top 10 marketers, and Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 most brilliant companies. Neil is a New York Times bestselling author and was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Obama and a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 35 by the United Nations.

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