Venture Capital

Articulating the value proposition across to a venture capitalist, commonly known as the pitch, is a process that needs careful preparation. First, you need to have your goal in focus and complete the criteria requirements and expectation that deliver the outcome of your proposal before you spend some hours practicing your pitch. Never offer to present unless you have prepared your presentation thoroughly.

Most presentations i had attended were too lengthy and inappropriate. As most venture capitalist have limited time on their hands to sit and listen to new proposals, its best to keep it short and to the point. So, when you initially try to engage the venture capitalist interest, it is best to prepare to pitch your ideas for the duration of a few minutes, 10 minutes is your best bet. If you have a product offering include a demonstration after 10 minutes of your pitch, you could incorporate a video or include some comments from your customers. Keep the entire presentation with the pitch to a maximum of 30 minutes.

Another item that needs to be considered is to dress the part and make it appropriate to the culture in Malaysia. Just because you have some hot shot ideas doesn’t mean you can come and present in your jeans. It just does not go down well when your physical presentation comes across as scruffy. The least you can do is wear a decent shirt, pants and tie or ladies some good conservative office attire would be in the best interest of the portrayal of how serious you are in obtaining funds. If you have a work shirt as per your office culture, wear it. It is a visual expression of passion and excitement for what your company aspires and delivers via teamwork.

Often, I have come across presentations done by entrepreneurs that bring in their management to do the presentation or worse presentations of management teams that switch presenters into parts handled by the individuals of the job portfolios, for example, the CEO would start off introducing the management team and when there is a section on technology, he would pass the floor to the CTO, or when they get to the financials, pass the floor to the CFO. This does not go down well for me because it’s imperative for me to see the leadership role in the CEO in communicating the worth of the company and remember only decision makers can get others to make decisions. It’s a good idea to have your team there for support and clarification if a matter does arise but the presentation by the CEO must be convincing. Bear in mind, that nobody has time to listen to a pitch or presentation that holds no benefit. Make your mark and present for the kill - every time you get the opportunity.

Note: This youtube video gives you an idea of what investors look for in the pitch