In this episode of "Startup for Startup, First Steps," the focus is on helping entrepreneurs connect with investors and navigate their initial meetings. The conversation revolves around three key stages: building initial connections—where warm introductions are preferred over cold outreach; preparing for the first meeting by thoroughly researching the investor and their portfolio; and effectively conducting the meeting, which involves showcasing market understanding and addressing any concerns the investor might have. Yoav Ilner, a CEO and angel investor, emphasizes the importance of starting to network early, even before having a minimum viable product (MVP). He stresses that investor meetings should be approached as a two-way street, where both parties conduct their due diligence. A crucial takeaway is the necessity of understanding an investor’s portfolio and investment strategy to assess compatibility and preparing insightful questions to show you’re serious and well-prepared.
