You may have the right vision, team and roadmap, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have the money. Investment is crucial for start-ups to scale and tends to be among the top things on founders’ minds. 

PR firms often use strategies to increase a company’s profile or polish brand messaging specifically for investors. Still, there is only so much public relations can do – it’s up to the company to close the deal. If you are going through this yourself, or it may happen soon, here are five things to keep in mind when talking with potential new investors:

Get Personal.

Investors don’t invest only in a company but also in the leadership team. They want to be confident that in tough times and during crises, the company’s leader has a level head. They want to see that you hire competent, intelligent talent and understand how to budget. They want to know that you’re ambitious but realistic. There are plenty of companies out there with good ideas. Too few of them, however, are led by people who know how to succeed. Let your best self reflect well on your company. 

Be Skeptical About Yourself. 

Investors will likely ask tough questions that they’ll want straight answers on. The easiest way to prepare is to audit everything about your company and compile a list of the most challenging questions you will likely need to answer. Then work on those answers until you feel they’re satisfactory. You’ll look far better when you’re put on the spot and are in the hot seat if you are well prepared. 

Pull Back the Curtain.

Wowing investors with smoke and mirrors is something you will likely regret later. Right out of the gate, transparency and honesty will put everyone on the same page and prevent accusations or unnecessary drama later. Ensure the investors know what they’re getting into, and they’ll likely stick around when you need them the most. 

Ask Questions.

You may feel desperate for investment and like you’d jump through burning hoops to have any investor give you money right now. That doesn’t mean you should stay quiet, though. The investor you end up with will be someone you communicate with, often during stressful times, and if you don’t like them now, you certainly won’t like them when things become difficult. 

Don’t Waste Their Time.

Investors always have somewhere else they could be and another company they could invest money in. They’ll want you to get directly to the point when you meet with them. Have your questions and answers ready, keep small talk to a minimum and streamline your presentation. Doing so demonstrates you are organized and focused on getting down to business.

The right public relations firm can raise your profile and earn the attention of investors, which is a crucial first step, but winning them over is what means the most. Be well-prepared, stay true to your company’s vision, and there’s a good chance investors will see the value.

Looking for a PR firm that can help you attract more investors? Mercury Global Partners is an “all senior” PR firm focused on emerging tech like sustainability, healthcare, AI and more. We also have mad skills to help you perfect your investor deck. Drop us an email at hello@wearemgp.com to learn more. 

You may have the right vision, team and roadmap, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have the money. Investment is crucial for start-ups to scale and tends to be among the top things on founders’ minds. 

PR firms often use strategies to increase a company’s profile or polish brand messaging specifically for investors. Still, there is only so much public relations can do – it’s up to the company to close the deal. If you are going through this yourself, or it may happen soon, here are five things to keep in mind when talking with potential new investors:

Get Personal.

Investors don’t invest only in a company but also in the leadership team. They want to be confident that in tough times and during crises, the company’s leader has a level head. They want to see that you hire competent, intelligent talent and understand how to budget. They want to know that you’re ambitious but realistic. There are plenty of companies out there with good ideas. Too few of them, however, are led by people who know how to succeed. Let your best self reflect well on your company. 

Be Skeptical About Yourself. 

Investors will likely ask tough questions that they’ll want straight answers on. The easiest way to prepare is to audit everything about your company and compile a list of the most challenging questions you will likely need to answer. Then work on those answers until you feel they’re satisfactory. You’ll look far better when you’re put on the spot and are in the hot seat if you are well prepared. 

Pull Back the Curtain.

Wowing investors with smoke and mirrors is something you will likely regret later. Right out of the gate, transparency and honesty will put everyone on the same page and prevent accusations or unnecessary drama later. Ensure the investors know what they’re getting into, and they’ll likely stick around when you need them the most. 

Ask Questions.

You may feel desperate for investment and like you’d jump through burning hoops to have any investor give you money right now. That doesn’t mean you should stay quiet, though. The investor you end up with will be someone you communicate with, often during stressful times, and if you don’t like them now, you certainly won’t like them when things become difficult. 

Don’t Waste Their Time.

Investors always have somewhere else they could be and another company they could invest money in. They’ll want you to get directly to the point when you meet with them. Have your questions and answers ready, keep small talk to a minimum and streamline your presentation. Doing so demonstrates you are organized and focused on getting down to business.

The right public relations firm can raise your profile and earn the attention of investors, which is a crucial first step, but winning them over is what means the most. Be well-prepared, stay true to your company’s vision, and there’s a good chance investors will see the value.

Looking for a PR firm that can help you attract more investors? Mercury Global Partners is an “all senior” PR firm focused on emerging tech like sustainability, healthcare, AI and more. We also have mad skills to help you perfect your investor deck. Drop us an email at hello@wearemgp.com to learn more.