Questions Funders Ask

It is clear to me, working in the space for investment and supporting thousands of entrepreneurs pitching their stories in over 100 countries, that they are uncertain about what to cover — or not cover — in the pitch. They also wonder what questions investors/community organizers or supporters will ask them.

I tell them One thing is certain: You will be asked lots of questions, but there are three that investors will be asking themselves about you.

The words in the story you tell can enhance or hinder your answers to their questions.

What are the investors internal questions?

The first one most of them ask without telling you is: Do I like you?

If you come across as disingenuous in any way, they might not listen to what you say.

They have to first like you in some capacity. Dislike can be from the way you dress, your hair, your skin color, the way you stand — it could be anything, even the space in which you are meeting.

Somethings you cannot control and must let go of. But there are things you can control and should think about.

The next question they ask themselves is: Can I trust you?

This can be tricky. If you say anything that could be questionable, you might put them on the defensive, and from there, they will question everything.

Think about what you would say, to make sure you are addressing what they really need to hear rather than your opinion on something.

And their third question is: Do I want to hear more?

1) Am I buying into your story? 2) Do I believe you? 3) Do I want to hear more?

Getting to YES in any of these comes in the way you articulate your story and how you move it forward.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What do you want investors to ask you, based on the story you tell?

2. What can you do to prepare yourself to answer any questions they have?

3. What other things have you done to make this work?

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