Startup Fundraising Guide
- Oct 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7
Executive Summary:
Startup Fundraising Guide by Bonny Morlak
The Startup Fundraising Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of early-stage fundraising. Authored by Bonny Morlak, an award-winning business coach and seasoned entrepreneur, the guide offers a step-by-step approach to securing investment while prioritizing founder well-being and authentic partnerships.
Key Highlights:
Proven Outreach & Pitching Strategies:
Fundraising parallels B2B sales, requiring founders to guide investors through a structured funnel, from first contact to commitment.
The guide emphasizes starting with a compelling 10-slide Guy Kawasaki Deck to secure initial meetings and using a progressive approach with tailored Q&A slides for follow-ups.
Meeting Frameworks:
First Meeting: Focus on building rapport, introducing the startup, and assessing investor alignment rather than pushing for investment.
Second Meeting: Address concerns, provide detailed materials, and work toward closing the deal with clear next steps.
Pitch Deck Creation Timeline:
Create the initial 10-slide deck.
Develop one-pagers, meeting-specific decks, and Q&A slides tailored to investor feedback.
Continuously refine materials based on interactions.
Emotional Intelligence in Deals:
Acknowledges the role of emotions in investor decisions, advocating for clear storytelling, confidence, and showcasing the team’s passion and vision.
Investor Pipeline Management:
Recommends using CRM tools like Pipedrive for tracking investor interactions, follow-ups, and collaboration.
Investor Lists & Resources:
Comprehensive databases of angel investors and VCs, categorized by geography and sector, including detailed insights into top individual investors and alumni networks.
Guidance on Overcoming Challenges:
Practical advice on handling investor questions, addressing competitive pressures, and managing rapid growth while preserving company culture.
Focus on Early-Stage Dynamics:
Highlights the importance of aligning with investors who understand the unique challenges of pre-product-market-fit startups.
About the Author:
Bonny Morlak combines two decades of entrepreneurial experience with a commitment to founder well-being. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming burnout, he advocates for sustainable startup cultures and authentic investor relationships. His methods integrate strategic expertise with a focus on mental health and personal growth.
This guide serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs seeking not just funding but meaningful partnerships that align with their vision and values.
Detailed Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents........................................................................................................... 1
Proven
Outreach Strategy.......................................................................................................... 3
Overview................................................................................................................................ 3
Outreach & Pitching Strategy............................................................................................. 4
The decks creation timeline in order:................................................................................5
What to do in chronological order:.................................................................................... 6
Some notes:...........................................................................................................................7
Pitch preparation..................................................................................................................8
Emotions make deals...........................................................................................................9
Guy Kawasaki
10-Slide Intro Deck........................................................................................................10
Slide Breakdown slide-by-slide.........................................................................................11
Title Slide........................................................................................................................11
Problem..........................................................................................................................11
Solution.......................................................................................................................... 11
Business Model.............................................................................................................11
Underlying Magic..........................................................................................................12
Marketing and Sales - Go-To-Market......................................................................... 12
Competition...................................................................................................................12
Team...............................................................................................................................12
Status and Timeline, Projections, and Milestones...................................................13
Current Status & Roadmap......................................................................................... 13
Contact Slide................................................................................................................. 13
First and Second Meeting Deck Guide........................................................................14
Introduction for the pitch deck and recommendations for the first and second
meetings.............................................................................................................................. 14
First Meeting:...................................................................................................................... 15
Second Meeting:.................................................................................................................15
Pitching.......................................................................................................................... 16
First Meeting Recommendations..................................................................................... 16
Second Meeting Recommendations................................................................................17
Additional Common Investor Questions with Sample Slide Descriptions................. 19
Curveball Questions...........................................................................................................21
Investor Pipeline Management Strategies................................................................ 24
Here's how:......................................................................................................................... 25
Bonus
Investor Lists.................................................................................................................27
Angel Investors................................................................................................................... 27
Alumni Associated Angel Investing Groups....................................................................39
A list focusing on university alumni startups........................................................... 39
Top Individual Angel Investors................................................................................... 40
VCs........................................................................................................................................40
Americas........................................................................................................................ 40
EMEA...............................................................................................................................43
Asia................................................................................................................................. 44
About the Author..........................................................................................................47
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