You’ve decided to make your move and go for venture capital funding. You must understand what venture capitalist want to see and give it to them. 

Pitching your business to venture capitalists is like being a 9th inning closer in Game 7 of the World Series. You need to be to the point, effective and impressive. Get distracted or fail to make the right pitch and it can all end up in tears. When putting together your pitch, here’s what they want to see and what you must provide. 

Hundreds and perhaps thousands of proposals roll across a venture capital fund managers desk every day. Time is at a minimum and they are a bit jaded given the junk they see. You need to be to the point with your pitch. If you are vague or a poet, forget getting funding. 

Immediately state what the problem is that you are going to provide a solution to. Define your problem with short, direct data and an index of more comprehensive data if they want to look at more. Then provide a concise, clear statement on how your business provides a solution to the problem. This is where you hook them.

Many businesses mistakenly avoid saying much about their competitors. Don’t. The fund manager wants to know who is out there and how you will compete with them. The manager is going to investigate the situation anyway, so be up front. 

Revenue is a wonderful thing. Many business plans go on and on about it. That being said, it doesn’t mean much if there is no profit. Talk revenue in your pitch to show a volume of business, but really focus on the potential profit and margins. 

Talk about the management team. Emphasize the history of each person in similar business efforts. This can go a long way to getting VC on board. 

Be specific. Name your figure. Don’t make anyone guess. 

Can you find venture capital funding in this rough market? Yes, but the competition for it is hot and heavy. By following the above tips, you can set yourself apart from the crowd.