How to Prepare for Investor Meetings: Research Strategies
Prepd
Sales Research
Investors meet hundreds of founders each year. To stand out, you need to demonstrate genuine knowledge of who you're pitching to. This guide shows you how to research investors effectively and use that knowledge to build meaningful relationships.
1Understand Their Investment Thesis
Every investor has specific criteria for the companies they fund. Research their stated investment thesis, including stage, sector, and geography preferences. Read their blog posts, tweets, and interviews to understand what they really care about. This often goes deeper than their website's stated focus.
Key Takeaways
- Review their website's investment criteria
- Read blog posts and thought leadership content
- Listen to podcast interviews they've done
- Follow their Twitter/X for real-time insights
2Analyze Their Portfolio
Study the investor's portfolio companies to understand their actual investment patterns. What do their investments have in common? Are there potential synergies with your company? Watch for competitive conflicts. If they've invested in a direct competitor, the conversation will be different.
Key Takeaways
- Review all portfolio companies
- Identify common patterns and themes
- Look for potential synergies or conflicts
- Note typical check sizes and ownership targets
3Research the Individual Partner
If you're meeting a specific partner, research their personal background and interests. Where did they work before? What boards do they serve on? What topics do they write about? Personal connections and shared interests can turn a cold pitch into a warm conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Review their career history and background
- Note boards and advisory roles
- Find shared connections or interests
- Understand their decision-making style
4Prepare Your Pitch for This Specific Investor
Armed with your research, customize your pitch to resonate with this specific investor. If they care deeply about team, lead with your background. If they've written about a trend you're riding, reference it. Show them why your company fits their thesis perfectly.
Key Takeaways
- Lead with what this investor cares about most
- Reference their content and ideas
- Show clear thesis fit
- Prepare for questions based on their typical concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
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