Well, here's something that I just can't keep to myself.
In the past week, I've had SEVERAL conversations with founders about their fundraising goals, and every one of them was soooo conservative that I almost had to shake them to get them to think BIGGER!
Have you ever thought about how much further your company could go if you thought about it a bit differently? If you thought big instead of "safe"?
I'm working mainly with Seed-Round A stages companies, so it's not like they're fresh from the accelerator, all dreams but no traction.
And still, when I ask to see the roadmap, the P&L, and the overall objectives for the next 5-10 years, 100% are SMALL goals.
10 machines in a market of 5,000 that don't even deliver the whole solution; 10,000 clients in a market of 4M people who are hungry for this solution; and more.
The way I see it, if you already took the time, effort, and guts to found a company and push through the early stages, with having some PoC/ traction/developed solution in hand, then why limit your objectives?
Eventually, if you know how to do 1, and it's successful - why not aim for 100k?
If it's a matter of funding... well, then let's raise the needed funds and get on with it.
And it's a matter of confidence... well, then let me share with you my top three tips for thinking big and taking your company to the next level:
#1: Believe in Your Product - That's the primary step, but many founders, after a while, lose track and connection to it.
When it comes to fundraising, investors are looking for founders with a clear, confident vision. Believe in your product and mission, and don't be afraid to voice them out loud and proud. People will follow suit, but it starts with you believing first.
#2: Have "Hutzpa" and set Big Goals - Be bold and make ambitious goals when making your fundraising pitch. It shows investors that you're passionate about making a difference and are not just in it for the money. So set yourself realistic-yet-ambitious targets and back them up with a solid plan.
#3: "What if?" - play with your cofounder and team my favorite "think big" game: Answer the question: "what if I have found the perfect investor that gives me UNLIMITED resources and funding? What do I do?" How many units are you going to produce? How much marketing are you going to do? How many employees will you want to have? etc. etc.
So my dear founders, don't get caught up in the downward spiral of thinking small. Instead, embrace those big goals and start planning on 10X your current goals, and then go and fundraise the funds to make your plan come true.
Let me know if you have questions, and feel free to reach out if you need help with your fundraising or setting big goals.
Cheers,
Anna
Founder & CEO
pitchUP - startup fundraising solutions
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