Investing in a startup is not a game of chance or mere gut feeling. It's a systematic process where investors meticulously evaluate various aspects of your business before making the decision to invest. Let's demystify this process and delve into the three main buckets that investors check when evaluating whether or not to invest in your startup.

NUMBER ONE: Data is King – Showcase Your Startup's Performance

Investors are money people, and numbers are their language. They crave data to understand how your startup is performing. Here are a few examples of what you should include:

• Users Acquired: The number of users and the rate of acquisition.
• Revenue: Your earnings over a specific period.
• Future Projections: Based on current traction, what are your revenue goals for the next year?
• Market Opportunity: Show the potential money available in your market that you can tap into with their investment.

NUMBER TWO: Social Validation - Prove Your Credibility

Investors look to minimize risks. By demonstrating social validation, you can alleviate their concerns:

• Press Mentions: Include logos and quotes from reputable media.
• Team Background: Highlight where your team previously worked and their education.
• Clients & Partners: Showcase those who find value in your startup's solution.
• Previous Investments: Who else took a risk and invested in your startup?
• Advisors: Share any advisors aligned with your industry or expertise.

NUMBER THREE: Conviction - Building a Strong Connection

Investors want to be drawn to your startup. Questions they might ask include:

• Problem-Solving: Are they familiar with the problem you're solving?
• Market Knowledge: Do they know the market well enough?
• Value Addition: Can they add value to your startup?
• Common Connections: Do they have anything in common with the founders?
• Fascination Factor: Are they intrigued by your startup or market?

Conviction is often the toughest area to nail, but by weaving data and social validation into a compelling story, you can build the investor's conviction.

Conclusion: Your Path to Successful Fundraising

Investors don't just throw money at any idea. They are discerning, and they evaluate startups through a well-defined lens. By focusing on data, social validation, and building conviction, you can craft a pitch that resonates with investors and brings in the capital to grow your startup.

Investment decisions are much more cut and dry than what we see on television shows like Shark Tank. Use these insights to talk the talk with investors and take your startup to the next level.