This document outlines 9 steps to raise money from venture capitalists (VCs). The steps are: 1) Select a target VC firm that invests in your area and stage. 2) Approach the VC and open with a compelling subject line and well-prepared pitch materials. 3) Demonstrate your company's value through a precise deck outlining your financial plan and early traction. 4) Manage investor expectations by presenting ambitious but realistic projections. 5) Meet with the VC in-person and come prepared to discuss your business. 6) Address any remaining questions or concerns from the VC and provide additional supporting materials or references. 7) Solicit a decision deadline to increase pressure while maintaining other funding options. 8) Get the lead investor

1. How to Raise Money in 9 Easy Steps
VC
Nicolas Wittenborn
Point Nine Capital

2. About me
I blog (too little) at heyni.co and tweet (too much) @ncsh
Associate at Berlin based early-stage VC Point Nine

3. Get familiar with potential investors
Make sure they are investing in your area
And that it’s the right stage
Step 1: Select a target

4. Make sure there is a fit!
Not every VC invests in everything
Step 1: Select a target
(Not the typical VCs)

5. Find some context
Make subject line & intro count
Have all material at hand
Step 2: Approach & Open

6. Don’t ‘shotgun’ your pitch
Your potential investor wants to feel special ;)
Step 2: Approach & Open

7. Precise Deck
Financial Plan
First Traction
Step 3: Demonstrate Value

8. Don’t overcomplicate it
The material should be concise and easy to understand
Step 3: Demonstrate Value

9. BUT don’t make it too simple either
Step 3: Demonstrate Value

10. Be Ambitious
But not overconfident
Or unrealistic
Step 4: Manage Expectations

11. Step 4: Manage Expectations
Looks good but won’t happen

12. Ask for a ‘coffee meeting’
Book a nice hotel, buy flowers & champagne
Step 5: Extract to a seduction location

13. Ask for a ‘coffee meeting’
Book nice hotel, buy flowers & champagne
Step 5: Extract to a seduction location
Wait, this was for the ‘other’ Game…
… let’s move on to the next step

14. Step 6: Make a physical connection
Bring your co-founders
Be on time & prepared for a discussion
Have some slides as backup

15. Step 6: Make a physical connection
Don’t be a ‘ballhog’
Let your team chime in

16. Identify last question marks
Provide missing data (incl. sources)
Set up reference calls
Step 7: Disarm the obstacles

17. Step 7: Disarm the obstacles
Don’t go on vacation during fundraising
Why would you do that?

18. Solicit a decision deadline
Communicate that there are other options on the table
Update on major developments
(numbers, deals, hires)
Step 8: Pump Buying Temperature

19. Don’t name drop (or worse, lie)
Avoid an ‘investor cartel’ forming behind your back
Step 8: Pump Buying Temperature

20. Get lead investor to sign a term sheet
Let potential co-investors and/or lemmings know
Close the round & get back to business
Step 9: Blast Last-Minute Resistance

21. Step 9: Blast Last-Minute Resistance
A handshake is not a contract (unfortunately)
Keep all options open until the deal is signed

22. Ready to make it rain?!
Send your pitch to nicolas@pointninecap.com
(pls don’t try #5)
Or snapchat your Executive Summary to nc5h
(just kidding, but I would be impressed)

23. Follow Point Nine on Twitter
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Thanks! :)