Mastering the Art of Fundraising: Ten Best Practices for Entrepreneurs’ Success

By Marta Cruz, NXTP Ventures Co-Founder & Managing Partner

In the intricate game of entrepreneurship, capital acquisition plays an indispensable role. Being on the VC side, I’ve become intimately familiar with the nuances, the highs, and the lows of fundraising. Allow me to walk you through a treasure trove of insights, compiled from years of experience, that have proven to be the difference between a successful funding round and missed opportunities. Here are ten best practices for founders aiming to ace the fundraising process:

1. Anticipating the Fundraising Process

Successful fundraising is often the result of well-planned strategies, not impromptu gambles. Begin your fundraising journey by acquiring an in-depth understanding of the venture capital ecosystem, investment cycles, and potential investors. A thorough understanding of these elements will empower you to anticipate the fundraising process more effectively and design an impactful fundraising strategy.

2. Start the Process by Socializing the Project

Networking and relationship-building form the bedrock of successful fundraising. Introduce your venture to potential investors and influencers much before you officially kick-start the fundraising process. This preliminary phase of socializing your project provides a softer entry point into the conversation about funding and helps you gather valuable feedback to fine-tune your pitch.

3. Support Material is Not Static

Fundraising is an iterative process and so should be your support material. Your pitch deck, financial model, and business plan should evolve based on the feedback you receive and the changing dynamics of the market. Tailoring your materials to each investor can demonstrate a keen understanding of their interest areas and significantly increase your chances of success.

4. Avoid Cold Email

Building connections organically surpasses impersonal outreach. While it might seem efficient, cold emailing often lacks the personal touch needed to establish a meaningful connection. Try to approach potential investors through mutual contacts or networking events to ensure that your communication does not end up in the junk folder.

5. Use a CRM to Follow Up

Fundraising is not a one-off process; it’s a journey that requires diligent follow-ups. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can be instrumental in managing these follow-ups efficiently, keeping track of communications, and ensuring that no potential investor falls through the cracks.

6. Follow Up — Even When You Have Been Told Not To

Persistence can often tip the scale in your favor. It’s important to distinguish between a firm no and a not-right-now. Unless you’ve received a clear refusal, it’s advisable to maintain a professional, cordial relationship and keep potential investors updated on significant milestones.

7. Be Honest with the Data You Provide

Trust is the currency of any successful business relationship. Be transparent and accurate with the data you provide to potential investors. Exaggerated claims might seem attractive in the short run, but they can severely harm your credibility in the long run.

8. Anticipate the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Preparation is the key to successful fundraising pitches. Ensure that you’re ready to answer typical investor questions about your business model, competition, market size, and financials. This level of preparedness projects confidence and a deep understanding of your venture.

9. Prepare for Surprise Questions

Expect the unexpected during your fundraising meetings. Potential investors may probe areas beyond the standard questions to understand your venture better. A composed and thoughtful response to these surprise questions can underscore your thoroughness and dedication.

10. Full-time Dedication is Required

Fundraising is a demanding process that requires your full attention and commitment. Balancing it with your daily operational tasks can be challenging, but dedication to the process can significantly influence its outcome.

Finally, the art of fundraising is a careful combination of strategy, rigorous execution, perseverance, resilience, and honesty. As founders, mastering this process can open doors to numerous possibilities and allow the company to take the first rung of the next level.