Pitching events bring tremendous amount of opportunities to the entrepreneurs. All startups that are presenting on stage have the chance to win the attention of the investors, which can lead to many positive outcomes and securing funding is just one of them. But how can “a pitcher” know if they are going in the right direction with their pitch? The situations differ one from another, yet there are some signs that can prove the interest of the investors. To help you decode the secret of successful pitching, here we will emphasize on four of these important signs.
The investors will ask you a lot of questions
Most entrepreneurs are feeling stressed before they get on the stage and present their pitch in front of the audience. The stake is high and it is very likely that the future of the company depends on their performance at this exact moment. The pressure takes over and makes everything even more complicated. The entrepreneurs are able to rehearse their presentations, but rarely can prepare flawlessly for the Q&A session.
But the importance of the Q&A session shouldn’t be overlooked. This is the moment when you will understand if an investor is interested in your startup. If they have many questions, it is a sign that you sparked their interest. The worst thing an entrepreneur can hear after their pitch is that the jury has no questions for them.
The investors will want to talk to you after your pitch
At every pitching event there is a strictly set time limit for the presentation and for the Q&A session. Make sure that you fit the time frame and don’t exceed your pitch longer than you should have to. It is a sign that you are not accordingly prepared and unable to craft a good 5 or 10 minute pitch. The investors appreciate punctuality, so if they see potential in a company, they clearly emphasize on the fact that they want to talk to the pitching entrepreneur during the break.
The investors will request more information
When it comes to investing in a startup, experienced investors take their decision making process very seriously. They are very likely to require sending them additional information via email, so they can get a deeper insight on your business. If they want to look at more detailed business plan, it means that you really got their attention and have made a very successful presentation.
The investors will invite you for a meeting
The best result that you can get after you present your startup at a pitching event is to receive actual invitation for a meeting with the investors and their teams. This is a big step ahead and a definite sign that you’ve done a great job pitching! Way to go!