If you and your startup are lucky enough to land a meeting with a venture capital firm, it’s important that you do your due diligence before the big day. In this infographic, Karlin Ventures outlines the steps you need to take before, during, and after the meeting, if you want to nail it. You will want to research the group you are pitching to, prepare visuals, and rehearse your pitch to people who have never heard it before. When it’s time to make your pitch, make sure you dress appropriately and appear comfortable. You can’t oversell your business, and it’s best to limit any distractions and be honest about where your company and product stand.
After the meeting, always follow up with the VC. Send a thank you note and don’t fret if it didn’t – most pitches aren’t successful. At least, maybe not the first time. Use it as a learning experience and a chance to refine your pitch for your next chance. Ask for feedback. Even if their answer was no, ask them for suggestions on how you might improve your pitch or presentation. Who knows? The next one might just be the charm.
