A 12-Step Sidestep of the Fund-Raising Grind

Here's something that might interest you if you're an entrepreneur trying to raise capital for an idea, project or existing company:

In an excellent article posted to Gigaom.com, entrepreneur Scott Painter of Zag.com discusses ways to avoid the "trite and true" usual ways to manage the fund-raising process. The advantages are immediate and obvious: First off, by being different and standing out from the herd one is more likely to make an impact (good or bad.) When that difference adds value and engages the potential VC partners, then the impact is almost certainly a positive one.

And Scott's approach certainly adds value (to both parties)! For example, by replacing the old standby (PowerPoint) with a live web-based interactive model, he can a) drastically increase 'the level of engagement of his audience and b) make changes and edits after the meeting based on their feedback.

Another great piece of advice is to separate the pitch into two meetings: One, short and sweet, designed solely at making enough of an impression to get to Meeting Two. The second one can now be longer as your counterpart has indicated their interest. Scott's additional suggestion of dinner is excellent for building rapport and discussing things in a more informal setting: nothing like breaking bread together to build relationships.

Worthy of note is Scott's personal experience of 120 pitches: Brace yourself, a half-dozen meetings may not be enough to get your venture funded. Be willing to go the distance.

You can read Scott Painter's article here:
12 Steps to Short-Circuit the Fund-raising Marathon