In business, the belief that success comes from diversification and expansion is common. However, many successful businesses have achieved greatness by focusing on mastering a single category over time. Delving into: What funds look for, the difference between tech and other funds, importance of a pitch deck and many more nuggets from which you can understand the funding landscape better.

• Founder Personalities:

Passion and Commitment: Investors value founders deeply committed to their vision, showing purpose and dedication.

Innovation and Adaptability: Being innovative and adaptable in evolving markets is crucial. Leadership and Market Knowledge: Strong leadership and deep industry knowledge are essential to inspire teams and drive business growth.

Founder’s Unfair Advantage: Success hinges on the founder’s unique advantages to build something meaningful.

• Tips for Funding:

Know Your Options: Understand various funding sources and choose the one aligning best with your goals.

Build Relationships: Network extensively to find mentors and connections to potential investors.

Prepare a Solid Pitch: Have a compelling, concise pitch that demonstrates your industry understanding. Be Prepared for Due Diligence: Investors will scrutinize your business, so be organized and transparent.

• Personality or Valuation, what are funds looking at these days?

Investor focus has shifted towards founder personality and motivation, with other funds. For tech funds – valuation plays a key role still.  Resilience and drive are key factors for success.

*Talking about Rajeev Samant, Founder of Sula Vineyards, Mr. Hari pressed that a founders’ motivation to drive and grow a business is more crucial for him than the money.

• What should a pitch deck look like?

Capturing the attention when meeting investors is key – here is what you should include, keeping it short, crisp and creatively present while keeping it to the point.

Ideal pitch deck: The motivation behind your business idea, what are the main customer pain points, your projection of growth & your unfair advantage.

• Booming sectors on the rise:

Pets, Travel & Hospitality (tech & retail products), Home Décor, Agriculture, Personal Care & Beauty.

• One tip for women-led companies at the time of pitching?

Women tend to be more realistic & conservative which poses good but come across under-confident. Tip: Confidence rubs off so do not undervalue yourself during your pitch.

In conclusion, success in business requires more than just a great idea. It demands dedication, innovation, adaptability, and strong leadership. Understanding funding options, building relationships, and presenting a compelling pitch are crucial for securing investment. The relationship with your investors is like a marriage, so trust, clear communication on both sides is important.

In the end, building a successful business is a journey that requires perseverance, resilience, and a deep understanding of one’s industry and market.