How can you creatively engage investors to build stronger relationships?

Are you raising money or smart money? Answering this question will largely define the level of investor engagement into your project. Save everyone's time and don't get creative with someone who just committed their money and is looking to get ROI. Instead, make sure you meet the agreements made: have weekly syncs, send in monthly or quarterly reports on time, deliver comprehensive board meetings, share important milestones. This is different for smart money, were investors show interest and ability to contribute to your project in other non-financial ways, introduce you to their network, or share best practices from other portfolio startups. Weekly newsletters, feedback surveys, invites to company's Town Halls and off-sites can work.

Building strong relationships with investors goes beyond the usual stuff, right? It's not just about numbers and meetings; it's about making them feel like part of your journey. Here are a few creative ideas to consider: Virtual Meetups: Organize exclusive virtual events where investors can interact with your team and get a behind-the-scenes look at your business. It's like inviting them into your world! Storytelling: Share compelling stories about your business journey. Investors love to connect with the human side of your brand. Customized Updates: Instead of generic reports, send personalized updates that show you value their involvement. Collaborative Projects: Involve them in projects or initiatives where they can actively participate.

The old saying 'Don't ask for money, ask for advice' is still true. By involving investors in your challenges and allowing them to help you solve them, you increase their engagement level. With time, they'll be more open to investing or introducing you to a more relevant investor. Important note here. Asking for feedback or advice has to be sincere and ethical. It means you really care about that person's expertise and it's relevant to your product.

Engaging investors by involving them in your challenges is a smart move. Show them you value their expertise and experience. Use surveys, polls, or brainstorming to seek their input on current issues. This builds a stronger connection and aligns them with your goals. For example, ask for input on product features or market opportunities. It's a win-win! 👍

When it comes to celebrating achievements with investors, it's more than just a gesture; it's about recognizing the symbiotic relationship we share. As a digital marketer, I understand the power of acknowledgment in building lasting connections. It's like tending to a garden—you nurture it, and it blossoms. So, celebrating milestones isn't just about showcasing success; it's about fostering trust and loyalty. It's a moment to say, "We did this together, and there's more to come!" 🌟💼🥂

It's getting more and more popular to invite influencers to become angel investors in startups. I believe it's a win-win for both: celebrities get exposure to business and a trendy way to diversify their revenue streams, and startups can capitalize on influencer's personal brand and connections at a fraction of the cost.

Invite potential investors to an open house/tour and some of your company's special events and awards ceremonies. Don't forget to provide your annual report, which includes information on other investors and supporters, your company's vision and its accomplishments, and lucrative projects. Highlight the investor's contribution and its impact in your company's news, trade media, and general consumer media outlets.

Remember: people invest in people, not products. Establish good rapport and communicate transparently about the ups and downs of your project. If you maintain investors' trust, even if your company fails, they will be more likely to invest in your new venture again. I was once working with an early-stage startup of 5 people that raised money from angel investors. To maintain trust, we prepared weekly newsletters with updates on hiring, product development, and even photos of newcomers and the office. On top of that, a co-founder had regular weekly phone syncs with all the investors to maintain a good rapport. As we were about to raise the next round, these people were willing to write larger checks.

Are these potential (desired) investors or existing investors? While raising funds, to engage with potential investors, your startup needs to get visible in the investors' reality. That means being covered in investment newsletters (e.g. Seeking Alpha), in the media they read (Business Insider, WSJ, Venture Beat, TC, or niche industry-related ones), or events they attend (meetups, conferences, accelerator demo days). Leverage warm intros to get a foot in the door.