I kind of look at it this way: Great idea--poor business plan--potential success. Weak idea--great business plan--potential failure. Both great idea and great business pan--it's a hit!

I have searched for this type of investor as well. In my case, I found it is truly like looking for a needle in the haystack. It's all about the niche you create, sustainability and the company looking for your idea. It's hard to line them all up. I was fortunate an investor found me. We'll see where it goes.

Good article with points that I know work.  One thing that was that should be also be covered is ROI.  Make sure you know what your investor is looking for when they say “here’s the money” and make sure you can meet their expectations.  If you don't think you can, don't take the money.  This is important because if you make your investor happy, obtaining additional funding and/or investors will be possible.  Most start up companies mistakenly think that they will only need funding once.  Don’t be fooled by your own enthusiasm.

The article didn't mention making the rounds at established angel capital groups, which can be a mixed bag.  On the one hand, you have a group of HNW people all corralled into one place, and if you make it past the screening comittie, you have their (relatively) undivided attention for your 15 minute pitching time slot.  On the other hand, these groups are often made up primarily of tire-kickers who will have you jump through multiple hoops and can chew up (i.e. waste) a lot of your time that could better be spent building your business.  Best bet is still good old fashioned networking using a laser-focused approach, with your laser aimed at the right people, and being PREPARED before walking in to that meeting. 

Call us if you need help getting prepared, or as we call it, "investor ready."  www.venturearchetypes.com  or 1-800-936-2594. 

Nathan Beckord, Partner at VentureArchetypes, LLC

I agree about angel capital groups issues.  They are a great place to meet potential investors but I think one is better off trying to make presentations to those you think have the most potential individually than at the group session.  In the group setting you can be shot down by someone that does not understand your business which will raise unfounded doubts by all.  When this happens it can be nearly impossible to recover from in the time allowed.  Investors are like deer, when one gets spooked they all run.  But sometimes that may be the only chance you have, so if you cannot divided and conquer the next best thing is to go for it.

Jocelyn ,

I would definately get started making relationships with investor groups, whether it be angel, vs, private etc. There are alot of investors looking for great opportunities to invest in. You could bring to the table a prescreening match making service and then it would save wasted time on the clients part and the investors. Once a relationship is built they will call you to find out who you may be involved with. There are alot of niche firms out there, you just have to research and ask around. I am positive that if you contact them, they would offer a meeting with you to discuss what you could bring to the table as far as possible opportunities. I see alot of this sites, asking these poor people for money to join a site to have access to these capital firms that really have no substance. It can just be frustrating for a business trying to get going and money down th hole so to speak. If you can manage to build relationships with sustainable firms just like a pr person does with the media, you can become a great go to person for business. It definately can expand your growth by just connecting and helping others. Also the firms will trust your suggestions and you have the opportunity to gain respect throughout the investment community. Also this will help you to understand the needed underlying componants that you really need in a buisness plan and the extras to make folks stand out above the crowd!

Erin 

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