{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/5d535c935cbc0d0a41f6a732/67ed3a83d4b40d7b30da98c2?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"10 Tips to Win Over Investors, with Nikin Shah and Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/5d535c935cbc0d0a41f6a732/1743599982993-1e670072-9961-45b7-a6fb-94bec2d8a7a8.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Pitching to investors isn’t just about having the next billion-dollar idea. It’s about energy, authenticity, preparation—and knowing your numbers.</p><p><br></p><p>Today's episode of <em>Deal Closers </em>comes to you from<em> </em>recorded live at CED’s Venture Connect, where host Jason Gillikin sits down with two seasoned investors:</p><ul><li><strong>Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill</strong>, Principal at Idea Fund Partners</li><li><strong>Nikin Shah</strong>, General Partner at Front Porch Ventures</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Together, they share exactly what makes founders stand out in a pitch meeting—and what makes investors quickly say no. If you’re gearing up to raise capital or sell your company, this is essential listening.</p><p><br></p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>Why VC money is like rocket fuel—and how it can blow up your business if you’re not ready</li><li>How much energy is too much energy in a pitch</li><li>Why authenticity and self-awareness beat hype every time</li><li>What to say when you <em>don’t</em> know the answer</li><li>How to prep for questions about your numbers, your tech, and your team</li><li>The importance of targeting the right investors—and how to make it easy for them to help you</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>00:00:03</strong> – What VC dollars really mean for your company</li><li><strong>00:01:15</strong> – First impressions and the importance of energy</li><li><strong>00:04:00</strong> – Why excitement looks different for every founder</li><li><strong>00:07:51</strong> – Know enough about <em>every</em> part of your business</li><li><strong>00:11:00</strong> – Investors expect you to know your numbers</li><li><strong>00:13:56</strong> – Is your market size actually realistic?</li><li><strong>00:17:09</strong> – What problem are you solving, and why you?</li><li><strong>00:22:31</strong> – Walk in saying, “I’m the company you’re looking for”</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with the Guests:</strong></p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikin-shah-9801885/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Nikin Shah</a> – <a href=\"https://www.frontporchvp.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Front Porch Ventures</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakiyaaltalee/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill</a>, <a href=\"https://www.ideafundpartners.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Idea Fund Partners</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Deal Closers</em> is brought to you by <a href=\"https://www.websiteclosers.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">WebsiteClosers.com</a> and produced by <a href=\"https://walkwest.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Walk West</a>. </p>","author_name":"Website Closers"}