How an investor Thinks | Manish Johari, Lead Angels, Maple Capital advisors

The speaker in the podcast is Manish Johari, who has 25 years of experience in the investment ecosystem. He talks about what investors look for when they are investing in startups. He also talks about the importance of having a strong business model and a clear value proposition. He also talks about the importance of having a good team and a strong culture. Finally, he talks about the importance of having a clear exit strategy.

Here are some of the key points that Manish Johari makes in the podcast:

• Investors are looking for startups with a strong business model and a clear value proposition.
• Startups need to have a good team and a strong culture.
• Startups need to have a clear exit strategy.
• Investors are looking for startups that are solving real problems.
• Startups need to have a strong community.
• Startups need to be focused on their customers.
• Startups need to have a clear understanding of their competition.
• Startups need to be able to tell a good story.
• Startups need to be able to raise money.
• Startups need to be able to manage their resources effectively.

Manish Johari also talks about the importance of having a good relationship with your investors. He says that it is important to keep your investors updated on your progress and to be transparent with them about your challenges. He also says that it is important to be able to articulate your vision for your company and to be able to answer questions about your business in a clear and concise way.

Overall, this is a very informative podcast about how an investor thinks. It is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who is looking to raise money from investors.

Here are some additional points that Manish Johari makes in the podcast:

• The importance of having a strong brand
• The importance of having a good marketing strategy
• The importance of having a good customer service strategy
• The importance of having a good sales strategy
• The importance of having a good product development strategy
• The importance of having a good financial management strategy

Manish Johari also talks about the importance of being patient and persistent. He says that it takes time to build a successful startup. He also says that it is important to learn from your mistakes and to never give up on your dreams.

---

Key Questions asked:

“What are the top 3 things investors look for in a startup?”

• Answer:
  • A strong, defensible business model with high growth potential.
  • A passionate and experienced founding team with a clear vision.
  • A large and addressable market with a significant unmet need.

“How important is team culture in an investment decision?”

• Answer:
  • Team culture is crucial. Investors look for teams that are aligned, collaborative, and resilient. A strong culture fosters innovation and helps navigate challenges.

“What are some common red flags that deter investors?”

• Answer:
  • Weak financials, lack of a clear competitive advantage, a history of missed milestones, and a founder’s lack of conviction in their own vision.

“How can startups effectively communicate their value proposition to investors?”

• Answer:
  • Through a concise and compelling pitch deck that highlights the problem, solution, market opportunity, team, and financial projections.

“What are the different exit strategies that investors consider?”

• Answer:
  • Initial Public Offering (IPO), acquisition by another company, or a strategic partnership.

“How can startups build strong relationships with their investors?”

• Answer:
  • Regular and transparent communication, proactive updates on progress, and seeking advice and guidance from investors.