There are many sources of advice on how to raise funds for growing companies, both general and specialized, that appear to cover just about every aspect of fundraising that is needed. Most entrepreneurs will start the process of raising funds by first investing time in gathering articles, suggestions, and tips from a variety of sources, and then settle on a format that feels comfortable to them. Then they will assemble a fundraising PowerPoint that they believe covers all the recommended bases.

 

However well-intentioned these efforts are, the results almost always fall far short in delivering results. Many entrepreneurs are also too proud to solicit external advice or coaching, and/or believe that because they are smart, they can figure out how to best organize and deliver the fundraising presentation. Beginning with my own direct fundraising efforts shortly after arriving in Silicon Valley many years ago, and then sitting through literally thousands of fundraising presentations as an investor, board member, consultant, and venture capitalist, it became glaringly obvious to me and many other investors that the vast majority of fundraising pitches do not succeed.

 

In spite of the high IQs and fancy academic credentials of the presenters—or maybe because of them—even many very experienced entrepreneurs struggle and fail to capture the right formula for attracting investments in their firms.