Business Angels

4. The Pitch

You usually do not get much time or space in which to present your business to potential investors. Prepare a convincing, concise pitch.

4.1 Explain your business to prove that you understand what you are doing.

• Explain what your business does. Avoid incomprehensible jargon.
• Explain what the key factors to the success of your business are. For example, product excellence or uniqueness, focusing on a specific market niche, or superior customer service.
• Explain how you intend to use the money you raise.For example, to buy new equipment.
• Remember your pitch should be tailored to raising money - different information is needed to that given to a Blue Chip company.

4.2 Demonstrate that you are offering a potentially profitable opportunity.

• Highlight your key financial projections.
• Stress the progress you have made so far. For example, show your previous sales and profits growth, and include references from committed customers.
• Mention any endorsements you have. For example, an order from a 'blue chip' customer or a good review in a newspaper.

4.3 Indicate how much money you want to raise and what percentage of your business you are willing to sell in return - remain flexible.

4.4 Be prepared with the details.

You should have prepared a full business plan even if you are not making it available to potential investors at this stage.

• You need to be able to justify what you have said and written.
• At a presentation, you should be prepared to answer most questions immediately.