VC 101: getting to first base

VC 101: getting to first base

Katy Turner, Eden Ventures

Source: http://amazingdata.com/10-most-bizarre-but-real-personal-ads-ever/

before you meet...

• figure out whether you should be taking VC $• if yes, do your research• how much $ do they have?• think about the VC value add• read their website/blog/twitter feed

Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/green-speed-dating.php

how to meet...

• try and get an introduction through their nw• meet them at events• get into conversation with them• see if they offer open office hours• talk to their existing portfolio companies• build the relationship before you need the $• you need to provide a pitch deck

Source: http://killingthursby.blogspot.com/2010/11/standing-out-in-crowd.html

the pitch deck

• never ask a VC to sign an NDA• documents shouldn’t be long or too text heavy• use images and bullet points • don’t use powerpoints full of text• one section per slide• whet their appetite

Source: http://soniakathuria2010.blogspot.com/2009/10/selling-yourself.html

be focused:

• proposition & customers• team• market opportunity• competition• technology / defensibility• financials / metrics• funding

Source: http://pics.myspew.com/index.php/geek/Stivers-6-30-05-date-a-geek

your first date

• be passionate and enthusiastic• don’t read from a script• be prepared to answer qs at any stage• be all over the numbers• get the VC to talk about their approach• be sure you cover funding / milestones• leave them wanting more

Source: http://sundryandco.wordpress.com/2010/04/04/geek-wedding-invitation/

questions?

@KatyT