Finding the Right Investor

Finding the Right Investor

Insight from MaRS

You've got a world-changing idea, a killer team, and enough caffeine in your system to power a small city. Now all you need is that sweet, sweet funding.But hold your horses, Zuck Jr.

Finding the right investor is like finding the perfect avocado – it's all about timing, feel, and luck.

How do you navigate the process? Let's break it down:

• Stalk smart on LinkedIn: Use advanced filters to find investors in your industry. Search for keywords like "venture capital" or "angel investor" plus your sector (e.g., "fintech," "SaaS"). Bonus points if you find a mutual connection for a warm intro.

• Tailor your request to your stage: Seeking seed funding? Target angels or micro VCs with $25K-$500K check sizes. Series A? Look for firms comfortable leading rounds of $1M-$5M. Match your pitch to their investment range.

• Leverage local ecosystems: Attend startup events, join co-working spaces, or apply to local accelerators. Many cities have startup-focused Slack channels or meetup groups – start networking.

• Create a targeted investor wishlist: Build a spreadsheet with 20-30 potential investors, including their focus areas, recent investments, check sizes, and mutual connections. Prioritize your top 10 to approach first.

Here are top resources/tools to kick-start your search:

• AngelList

• Pitchbook

• NFX Signals

• Crunchbase

Remember, finding the right investor is about fit as much as funds.

Do your homework, be strategic, and don't be afraid to walk away if it doesn't feel right.

Learn more: How to find investors