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Don’t Be That Founder w/ Shaun Gold
Manage episode 486914245 series 3568219
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Want to know the hard truth?
Today we have Shaun Gold, a polymath and entrepreneur with extensive experience in pitch decks and fundraising (oh and bonus, he’s hilarious).
He shares killer insights on the common pitfalls you’ll face when making pitch decks and pitching investors to raise seed money. With plenty of humor, he talks about the importance of clarity, concise storytelling, and understanding the competitive landscape. He also shares how NOT to approach investors, giving you strategies for investor outreach and highlighting the need for genuine connections and personalized communication.
The one is filled with practical advice, humor, and real-world examples, to help you improve your chances of securing funding and building a successful startup.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaungold/
Topics Covered:
-Challenges and pitfalls of creating pitch decks
-Importance of self-awareness in entrepreneurship
-Common mistakes founders make in pitch decks
-Effective strategies for investor outreach
-The significance of concise and clear communication in pitch decks
-The role of storytelling in pitching to investors -Building relationships with investors rather than treating outreach as a transaction
-The necessity of tailoring pitches to specific investors
-The impact of design and presentation on pitch deck effectiveness
-Advice for practicing and preparing for live pitches
About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!
Connect:
Website: seedmoneypodcast.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylasiciliano/
Subscribe and watch on YouTube @seedmoneypodcast
Timestamps:
Common Pitfalls in Pitch Decks (00:02:35) Shaun discusses frequent mistakes founders make in pitch decks, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness.
Effective Pitch Deck Strategies (00:09:01) Shaun outlines key elements of a successful pitch deck, including brevity and strong signals.
The Reality of Fundraising (00:12:53) Shaun addresses the challenges of fundraising and the need for continuous capital in startups.
The Importance of Practice (00:17:15) Shaun stresses the necessity of practicing pitch presentations to ensure clarity and confidence.
Common Mistakes in Investor Outreach (00:18:02) Shaun identifies frequent errors in cold outreach to investors, emphasizing targeted and personalized communication.
Investor Relationships (22:24) Stresses the importance of building relationships with investors for future opportunities.
Understanding the Game (23:06) Explains the unique challenges of fundraising that founders often overlook.
Designing a Pitch Deck (26:13) Discusses the importance of a presentable pitch deck without excessive focus on design.
Realism in Claims (28:08) Advises against over-embellishing claims about innovation and competition.
Competitive Positioning (29:06) Highlights the need for clarity in differentiating from competitors without exaggeration.
Investor Expectations (33:19) Discusses the importance of being realistic and sane during investor interactions.
Preparing for Fundraising (40:19) Advises founders to be ready and demonstrate traction before seeking funding.
Using Open VC for Investor Connections (00:41:39) Introduction to Open VC, a platform for connecting founders with various investors.
Networking Strategies for Founders (00:43:08) Advice on leveraging local startup events and online platforms for networking.
Effective Communication with Investors (00:44:49) Tips on how to approach investors without overwhelming them with information.
The Importance of Personalized Outreach (00:46:23) Emphasis on the need for thoughtful and researched communication when reaching out to potential investors.
Navigating Investor Expectations (00:48:39) Discussion on managing investor expectations and the importance of being realistic.
Building a Supportive Network (00:53:03) Insights on the value of cultivating a strong network for ongoing support and advice.
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