What Venture Capitalists Want?

It's a common question for first-time entrepreneurs. What do venture capitalists (VCs) look for in the firms that come to them for funding? Setting aside the most important factor that VCs look for -- whether the founders have what it takes to lead the company -- the metrics used to determine the worthiness of a start-up depend on how new it is, who its customers are and how much revenue it's bringing in already. This workshop aims to provide you a first-hand understanding of what VC's are looking for in a venture.

Some key potential questions and what they aim to uncover. Here's a list of primary categories:

1. Management team

2. Market Opportunity

3. Differentiation strength

4. IP

5. Traction to date and planning mechanism

6. Customer validation

7. WIIFM from the founder's perspective, is it just for money or does it have a larger vision?

8. Risk return matrix and understanding of non-financial risks

9. Company valuation

10. Financials and key non-financial metrics

11. Investment ask and potential for growth

12. Exit strategy