How to catch the investors eyes and secure funding for your startup? Dive into this article in which we’ll explore some key factors that investors look for in startups, including the power of persuasion, the types of investors you may encounter, and tips for making a compelling pitch. We will also delve into the world of YCombinator, one of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world, and what it means to be a YCombinator company. So, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, read on to learn more about how you can attract investors and take your startup to the next level.

The importance of Storytelling

One of the most important things is to use storytelling techniques to convey your vision. What does that mean? Have a good story and reputation. Sometimes to raise seed capital you aren’t required to have everything defined and having a real, well-done product is not always enough. “Every company is different because every founder is different: the investors want to know about your story, and how that story makes them feel is the most important thing. When you fall in love with someone it’s because of their personality, not only because of the face. In business it is the same thing.”  says Jacqueline Samira, CEO and Founder of Howdy. 

Investors will believe in your project if it appears compelling to them, and only if you truly have the ability to persuade and convince them of your vision.

Another important thing is to show passion and enthusiasm for your project -might seem like something obvious, but you really need to show confidence and excitement in your idea when you’re selling it. Show that you have a clear plan for growth -provide a roadmap for growth and highlight key milestones that you plan to achieve- and be transparent about potential risks.

Know what type of investor you are dealing with 

In general, there are two types of investors:

Angel investors are the amateur-type who invest their money on their own terms. The criteria is not as rigorous, and the decision-making process for investing can be more quick. Also, the final decision to invest in a project or business is not generally influenced by many people and may be based on intuition or emotion.

On the other hand, Venture capital investments are more professional, but they can also be more bureaucratic and time-consuming. Precisely because the decision is not made by a single person, but by multiple partners who must agree. Because venture capital views a lot of startups but only invests in a small number of them, if a VC invests in you, you will stand out from the crowd.

Don’t forget to do a deep research about the investor before pitching your idea, try to understand thisheir investment philosophy and story. This can help you tailor your pitch to their specific needs and interests. Also, talking to other founders who have received funding from the same investor can provide you valuable insights into what they are looking for and how they make their investment decisions. Another good tip: try to attend startup events and conferences to connect with other founders and investors.

Howdy’s story to raise capital

What does it mean to be a YCombinator company? 

Y Combinator is a startup accelerator that provides seed funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups. But it is a startup accelerator that was the first of its kind: no one had ever done investments this way. They don’t look at your revenue, they look at the ideas of the founders and the traction of the business. 

The formula for their investment is different, since they don’t invest because of your high revenue. Instead, they put you through their accelerator program and teach you all the aspects of a business, in order for you to learn and have a crazy scale.  The program is designed to help startups grow and succeed quickly by providing a structured environment, expert advice, and access to a network of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. The accelerator works like a kind of exchange: you give a portion of your company and they give you education and money. 

YCombinator invests in a hundred companies with the very basic idea that one of these companies is going to be a huge brand. And their thesis works! Since companies such as Airbnb, Dropbox, Coinbase were created from here. The fact that large companies have ended up being successful after going through YCombinator makes it like being a part of a very prestigious university. If they accepted you it is because you must be doing something special. 

The program runs twice a year, with each batch consisting of a group of selected startups. The program starts with a three-month residency in Silicon Valley, in which the startups receive guidance and support from YCombinator’s partners and advisors. The program culminates in a demo day, where each startup presents its progress and plans to a group of investors.

In conclusion, attracting investors and securing funding for your startup can be a challenging process, especially if you’re new to the startup world. However, with the right approach and strategies, you can increase your chances of success! 

Remember to use storytelling techniques to convey your vision, show passion and enthusiasm for your project, and be transparent about potential risks. It’s also important to know what type of investor you’re dealing with and do a deep research about the investor before pitching your idea.

At Howdy, we understand the importance of these key factors to attract investors and secure funding. By following these tips and seeking out opportunities like YCombinator, you can take your startup to the next level and achieve success. Good luck on your journey, we’re rooting for you!