The greatest problem that advisers and investment bankers have is their clients' resistance to creating effective financing packages. The materials brought to me and other IBs range from barely adequate to disasters. Experienced IBs and management consultants know what it takes to get financing, but many companies refuse to take their IB's advice and subsequently languish. The NWVG is the only local membership association dedicated to helping companies prepare for financing. How to find your target investor The company I met with in Mukilteo had researched which venture capital companies invested in start-ups, but they had not looked at these companies' past investments, stated preferences and generally accepted expectations.
Research is the key to taking the right deal to the right investor.
Each investor or group has its own inclinations and targets. For example, anyone planning to make a presentation to Machala's group should understand Machala's emphasis on the basics elements of success needed by an emerging growth company. She has been through the emerging-company experience. Were I presenting before her group, my management team would be strong, or I would come with a wish list of how my management team's holes could be filled to make the company stronger. Before approaching Conley's Roanoak Capital, a company should know that her fund has invested in many Northwest companies that had already received significant angel investment, including Cutter and Buck, Coinstar, Edmark and Luxor.