New York Investment Network

Business Plan Tips

What Investors Are Looking For In A Plan

Investors, whether angels or VC's, are looking for the same things when reading a business plan. They want to know how big the opportunity is, whether this is the right team to exploit the opportunity, who the competition is, what the risks are, and why they can expect this team to implement successfully. Your job in writing the business plan is to address these questions convincingly and clearly.

Emphasize Your Real Strengths

Highlight what your team brings to the table. If your business hinges on a particular competency (for example, understanding the procurement process), your plan will be more persuasive if one of your team members knows something about it and that is brought out in your plan. Rather than including generic resumes of team members, tailor the resumes to draw out the experience each member has that will make him or her a valuable contributor.

Get To The Point And Make It Clear And Comprehensive

Investors see many business plans. A 20-page plan which clearly lays out your business is far more likely to be read than a 100 page plan. Today, some entrepreneurs are using a 15 slide Powerpoint presentation. If your text is short and punchy, you won't need to repeat yourself, because the reader won't be bogged down keeping ten chapters in their head. Reading the same thing over and over, even if it's in different words, can get really tiring. The more you use brevity and give each concept a single home in your document, the more people will want to read it.

Write In Plain English

If you can't explain your idea in English, either you don't understand what you're talking about (What is a transaction enabled atomic journaling database server, anyway?) or you haven't simplified the idea enough. Think, revise, and try again.

Get Rid Of The Hype

Yes, we know you will be the "premier insert product category here of the Internet, achieving 99% market penetration with 60% customer retention in 3 months". Your product will reach "new heights in customer experience through the use of personalization and one-to-one profiling and customization". It will be "user friendly" because you will be creating a truly "ecstatic customer experience". It is a "quantum leap forward" in the marketplace for product category here. Um, yeah. Believe me, we've read it before. About a dozen times today, in fact. (And by the way, the phrase "quantum leap" really doesn't mean anything.) Stick to a tight, simple explanation of your idea. Convince your reader you'll be the best because your idea is the best, not because you can string a dozen buzzwords together.

Use Quantifiable Information

In each section, back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.

Choose A Huge Market

Especially in the internet world, investors are looking more at the market than at the detailed specifics of your financials. Choose a market that is big enough to be an obvious good opportunity. A business which targets teenage girls who listen to music and has a reasonable chance of capturing 90% of the girls that are online is a huge opportunity. A business which targets net-savvy SAAB mechanics who need prosthetic limbs is not.

Local Investors

United States > South Carolina

I am a private investor, with a strong background in retail and real estate. I am interested in investing in companies that show strong potential with clear ideas about the future. Some of my particular interest are companies involved in "sustainable" "green" "organic" and related fields.

$10,000 to $250,000

United States > Missouri

I am a chartered accountant with an MBA from one of the top business schools in Europe. I have worked extensively in the mergers and acquisition space. Worked with start-ups, turnaround and restructuring situations both in emerging markets and developed markets. Have experience in the US, European and African markets. I have started and sold several businesses. I am currently involved in roll ups in the financial services, oil and gas as well as manufacturing space

$300,000 to $500,000,000

United States > New York

Seeking quality investments in profitable mid-size companies. Transaction size: $15m to $100m.

$3,000,000 to $50,000,000

United States > Georgia

Got our start in Real Estate Investing Residential and Commercial. Started an investment fund making a 23% ROI for investments. Now venturing out into new arenas.

$500,000 to $10,000,000

United States > Virginia

I am an Investor Relations Specialist/Financial Consultant with 7 years of experience. Graduate degree in business and management, undergraduate in government contracts and acquisitions. I have multiple investors and lenders within my wheel house to facilitate all types of funding. . Available funding, Connect with our investors, Bank Guarantee Letters, Lines of credit, Trade accounts and much more. For start ups, business plans are required to participate in investor programs. Contact me today for more in-depth details.

$100,000 to $90,000,000

United States > New York

I am looking for a low risk, but high investment. i am someone who could help I have 30 years in food service. We both have to be on the same page.

$50 to $500,000

United States > Texas

I have invested several hundred thousand dollars in oil and gas exploration, water rights, oil pipelines, and angel startups in a variety of industries.

$20,000 to $50,000

United States > New York

Senior private investor that has experience across all industries but significant recent experience in technology, consumer and business services. Experience at board, operations and expanding network and opportunities given personal and professional network.

$25,000 to $500,000