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Best Practices for Investors Using Pitch Relay

Pitch Relay is designed to help investors discover and connect with startups that match their investment criteria. This guide outlines best practices to help you evaluate pitches effectively, build relationships with founders, and make informed investment decisions.

1. Refine Your Investment Criteria

Define Clear Preferences

  • Specify your preferred industries, stages, locations, and funding ranges.
  • Regularly update your criteria to ensure you receive the most relevant pitches.

Be Open to Exploration

  • While curated pitches are tailored to your preferences, explore the open feed to discover startups that may not match your criteria but still align with your interests.

2. Evaluate Pitches Effectively

Focus on Key Metrics

  • Look for startups with strong traction, such as revenue growth, user acquisition, or partnerships.
  • Assess the market opportunity and competitive landscape.

Assess the Team

  • Evaluate the founders’ experience, expertise, and commitment.
  • Look for teams with a clear vision and the ability to execute.

Review Financials

  • Examine financial projections, burn rate, and funding needs.
  • Ensure the startup’s financial goals align with your investment strategy.

3. Engage with Startups Promptly

Express Interest Early

  • When you find a promising pitch, express interest as soon as possible.
  • Early engagement increases your chances of securing a deal.

Ask the Right Questions

  • Request additional information, such as pitch decks, financials, or customer testimonials.
  • Focus on key areas like scalability, market fit, and growth potential.

4. Build Relationships with Founders

Communicate Clearly

  • Be transparent about your investment process and timeline.
  • Provide constructive feedback to founders, even if you decide not to invest.

Schedule Meetings

  • Use OnePass’s built-in tools to set up calls or meetings with founders.
  • Use these conversations to assess the team’s passion, vision, and execution capabilities.

5. Leverage Verifiable Credentials

Verify Startup Claims

  • Use OnePass’s decentralized identity framework to verify startup credentials and claims.
  • Ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.

Build Trust

  • Share your own verifiable credentials to establish credibility with founders.
  • Transparency and trust are key to building strong relationships.

6. Manage Your Pipeline Efficiently

Track Your Progress

  • Use the OnePass dashboard to monitor the number of pitches reviewed, matches made, and connections initiated.
  • Organize your pipeline by categorizing startups (e.g., interested, under review, declined).

Follow Up Regularly

  • Stay in touch with startups you’re interested in, even if you’re not ready to invest yet.
  • Regular follow-ups help you stay top-of-mind and build long-term relationships.

Research Industries

  • Stay updated on trends and developments in industries you’re interested in.
  • Attend webinars, read reports, and network with other investors.

Learn from Other Investors

  • Share insights and experiences with other investors in the OnePass community.
  • Collaborate to identify high-potential startups and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if a startup is a good fit for my portfolio?

  • Evaluate the startup’s alignment with your investment criteria, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

2. What if I don’t receive enough curated pitches?

  • Broaden your investment criteria or explore the open feed to discover additional opportunities.

3. How can I verify a startup’s claims?

  • Use OnePass’s verifiable credentials to validate key information, such as legal identity, financials, and team credentials.

4. What should I do if I’m interested in a pitch?

  • Express interest, request more information, and initiate a conversation with the founder.

Next Steps

  • Set Your Criteria: Define your investment preferences to start receiving curated pitches.
  • Explore the Open Feed: Discover additional opportunities by browsing all approved pitches.
  • Connect with Startups: Begin building relationships with founders and evaluating investment opportunities.
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