• Build the Team; Develop an Advisory Board
• Construct the Model
• Write the Materials
• Internal Feedback; Modify and Finalize the Model and Materials
• How Much Do You Want; How Much Do You Need?
• Different Levels of Investment from Angel/Venture/Corporate Investors
• Go For the Easy Money First; Get Momentum
• Like a Political Campaign; Continual Assessment
• No Shotgun, But Broad Coverage: See What Sticks
• Build the Gateway to Investors: Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers, Venture One/Red Herring/Upside...Do the Legwork
  
  
  • Remember - You Must Drive the Process

Two: Presentation Materials

• Business Model - Before doing anything else, think through the business and revenue model for the venture, including (a) the definition/focus of the business, (b) competitive landscape, (c) industry trends, (d) market focus and distribution, (e) product/service development and placement, (f) revenue/pricing model (key), (g) organizational development and implementation plan
• Executive Summary - Short and sweet; 5-10 pages max; define the problem and opportunity, the solution, the size of the market, how it can be accessed, the competition, the founding team, and how you intend to pull it off. Minimal financials. Say how much you need and how it will be spent. Emphasis on the problem and solution. The more obvious this is, the better your chances. Take out the complexity. Keep out discussion of proprietary technology or approach.
• Business Plan - 15 to 25 pages max; more detail - and definition of the solution and implementation plan. As with Exec Summary, focus on the market and competitive analysis. Try to identify reoccurring revenues. Position company as well along development/marketing path - and directly confront risks and your solution. If founding team weak on management, build up with Advisory Board. 3 year summary financials, with detail on year 1. Fully state assumptions. Don't state risk factors or liquidity plans, or valuation - the investors will do this themselves. Both a marketing and insurance document - tread a middle ground. Avoid blanket statements, and be able to support everything. Expect multiple drafts and refinements as get feedback from advisors and investors.
• Road Show - Slide/Multi-Media Presentation
• Angel vs. Venture Capital Investors

Three: Style

• Whats Not Important
• What Is Important
• Confidence v. Arrogance

Four: Image

Maturity and Risk is Everything

Flexibility; Focus on the Company and Not the Founders

Realism; What Are the Real Problems We will Face

Preparation and Homework

Damn the Torpedoes!!

Additional Notes from the Peanut Gallery