Posts Tagged ‘investment’

I always enjoy an evening with the members of the Rockies Venture Club, especially when there are investors speaking on panel.  Last night was no exception:  in a version of funding lightning-round, three companies seeking funding presented and were followed by notes and suggestions from three investors.

Lorenzo Carver, CEO of bpCentral’s Liquid Scenarios, was up first.  I loved his “aim small, miss small” philosophy for market share and his product, which provides deep analysis of financial information.  Frank Mendincino of Access Venture Partners had some great insights on Lorenzo’s presentation:

The three things he thinks about when considering a deal:  What problem is being solved?  How does the company in question solve it?  Why is their solution better than the other options?

Why companies need to break the rules and include a feature matrix comparing their companies against the competition:  Because it allows them to show why their company is better, not just state that it is.

Focus on conquering one market segment…then move on.  Keeping your initial segment small can allow you to have less initial competition and show your mastery more quickly.

Next up was Eric Remer, founder and CEO of PaySimple, a company that helps small businesses process payments.  He was able to sum up his business model (simplify and empower small business transactions) succinctly.  Jim Conboy of Wolf Ventures critiqued his presentation.

There’s nothing better than results.  Everyone talks about serving small businesses…it’s a very different thing to actually do so.

Your credibility is only as good as your communication.  Show how you nailed a particular market segment and whether you know when to cut your losses and move on.

Toot your own horn.  Your audience of investors will be skeptical.  It’s your job to win them over by pointing to your successes.

Keith Mountain of Spatial Corp. was last, but not least.  His story of a software company with a complicated past was a great view into the challenges that face a company seeking independence from a corporate entity (and the ups and downs any skilled management team will face).  Seth Levine of Foundry Group admitted he specializes in early-stage and seed investing, but was up for the challenge of critiquing Keith’s complex presentation:

Sometimes the cultural aspects of your firm are as important as monetary and management issues.  Still, focus on what makes your company unique.

Look forward, not backwards. Investors are interested in movement and momentum.

Highlight your competitors, even if it hurts.  Show their strengths and their weaknesses, then offset them with your company.

Look for what’s bright and shiny.  If it doesn’t belong to the exciting part of the story, don’t include it in your presentation.

Read more about the event at Rocky Radar.

Photo via eurleif

As we check in with colleagues and valued partners, we hear your concerns about the economy and the future of the world as we know it. Our take on the economic crisis? It’s an unparalleled opportunity for savvy business owners.

When you invest in developing and marketing your business, you don’t just flip the bird at plunging stock indices and growing panic…you continue to build the foundation for real growth and continued success. Would you stop construction on your half-built house right before rainy season just because roofing is expensive? We didn’t think so. String up your tarp, get your umbrellas out, and get ready to ride out the storm. We’ll be right there with you!

Here are our five favorite tips for weathering the economic crisis:

• Remain calm. Panic inside your business inevitably translates to your clients. Take a deep breath and look at the long term.
• Act with intention. In a down economy, it’s more important than ever to make good marketing decisions…decisions that are underpinned by a solid understanding of your goals, your market, and your resources.
• Stay connected. It can be tempting to hide under a rock until the economy gets better, but getting out there and fostering new friends and connections will help you feel more rooted and connect you to existing opportunities.
• Develop an investment mindset. Cost-minded businesses get hung up on individual actions and cower their way out of opportunity through a lack-based mindset. Investment-minded businesses know that every cent of money and every second of their precious time will yield results sooner or later.
• Remain calm. Hey, it’s worth repeating! If you’re in trouble, turn to your friends and trusted advisors…and remember, we’re just a quick e-mail or phone call away.

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