How do startups approach investor buy-sides and sell-sides?

First, startups should understand the investor buyer when evaluating and deciding whether to invest in the startup. This includes activities such as:

• Research potential investment opportunities
• Review the startup’s promotional materials and financial information
• Conduct due diligence on new startups
• Negotiate investment terms and deal structure

Whereas the investor sell-side refers to the actions and considerations of a new startup founder when pitching the company to potential investors and negotiating an investment deal. This includes activities such as:

• Prepare detailed financial models and investor promotional materials
• Contact investors and participate in promotional events
• Negotiate valuation, equity and other investment terms
• Maintain continuous communication and reporting with investors

How startups approach investor buy-sides:

• Startups should create a compelling investor pitch that highlights the company’s vision, traction, team, market opportunity and financial projections.
• Startups should always reach out to investors through warm introductions from their networks. They can also attend investor events and conferences to connect directly.
• The goal is to find the right investor partners who can provide not only capital but also strategic guidance, industry connections and additional added value.

How startups approach investor sell-sides:

• When a new startup seeks to raise capital, they are essentially “selling” shares of the company to investors.
• This involves preparing detailed financial models, market analysis and other documents to demonstrate the company’s performance and future potential; marketing yourself to a range of potential investors and highlighting unique investment opportunities.
• New startups need to negotiate final investment deal terms, liquidation preferences, board seats, etc., and are a key part of the sell-side process; the goal is to raise the necessary capital while maintaining as much control and upside potential as possible for the founding team.

Here are some key hints for a startup to prepare for the sell-side when working with VC investors:

(A) Build a Comprehensive Data Room:

• Gather and organize all relevant financial documents, legal contracts, intellectual property records, and other critical business information in a secure online data room.
• Ensure the data room is well-structured and easily navigable for potential investors.

(B) Prepare Detailed Financial Projections and Company Valuation:

• Develop thorough financial models that demonstrate the startup’s growth trajectory, revenue potential, and path to profitability.
• Ensure the projections and valuation are realistic, well-supported, and consistently articulated across all investor materials.

(C) Refine the Business Plan and Pitch Deck:

• Craft a concise, compelling business plan that clearly articulates the startup’s value proposition, market opportunity, competitive advantages, and growth strategy.
• Design your pitch deck to effectively engage with potential investors, it is advised to avoid presenting depth technology terms and research contents.

(D) Formulate the Co-Founding and Management Team:

• Ensure the startup has a strong, experienced management team with a proven track record of execution.
• Consider bringing executives or advisors to fill any gaps in expertise or experience in the necessary aspects of functions such as CEO, COO/CFO, CTO and CSO, to cater for technology, sales, marketing and operations.

(E) Develop Investor Relationship Strategy with Trusted Advisor:

• Engage experienced professionals to provide guidance and support throughout the selling process.
• Leverage their expertise to navigate the complexities of venture capital transactions and negotiations.

By thoroughly preparing for the sell-side, startups can increase their chances of securing favorable investment terms, accelerating growth, and achieving a successful exit.

To sum up, the buyer is from the perspective of an investor, while the seller is from the perspective of a startup. They are complementary but different aspects of the new venture financing process.  Buy-side and sell-side processes require different skills and approaches, but both are critical for new startups looking for the right investors and funding to fuel their growth.