How to Interview an Investor

Entrepreneurs tend to focus on how they can prepare for a meeting. They get their business plan organized and ensure that all financial documents are in place, and practice the key elements of their pitch deck. However, the meeting with an investor should be a two-way street. The questions you ask an investor can reveal a lot about their process and their expectations for working with startups.

Standard Investor Questions

Investors want to know whether you are aware of the fundamentals of your business model and how you perceive the market opportunities for your business. Investors will also want to find out how you plan to grow, what measures are most important to you and how you plan to maximize the value of your investment. Your tech-data-room.net answers to these basic questions will set the stage for deeper discussion later during the interview.

Firm-Specific and Process Questions

It’s important to do your research prior to the time you meet to know about the investors you’re meeting with as well as their investment process. You can adapt your approach so that it meets their needs and increase the chance that they will be willing to invest in your startup. Knowing what investors are looking for in terms of returns and typical timelines for deals will help you meet their objectives. Learning how they have managed turbulence within their portfolio companies can also give you insights into how they collaborate with founders during difficult times.