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 > New York

I can bring deals to a serious REIT. This REIT has over 5 billion dollars in buying power. The REIT trust wants to be a 50% Equity Partner on New York Real Estate deals, that or 25 Million dollars and up. No limit. They want to spend their first billion in New York. This is great for developers who need financing, seed money, hotels, and major condominium deals. The Investors want to come in with the cash, and wants the deal to run itself. They want to be silent or hands off partners. The REIT can show Proof of Funds, and verify whatever is needed. We look for deals or projects to be presented to the fund. We need a basic description of a potential deal. Then we set up meetings with the REIT. This is serious money backed by US TREASURY BILLS. This is a platform that will use Wall St. I have over 3 years of experience in bringing investors and projects together

$25,000,000 to $500,000,000

United States > New York

Seeking asset backed opportunities with personal guarantees. Business models should include proven track record of revenue streams with break even or profitable status. No start ups unless substantial assets are pledged that have a liquid market.

$50,000 to $1,000,000

United States > Washington

most interested in west coast. simple understandable, established businesses with great managemnt who have a lot of skin in the game

$100,000 to $10,000,000

United States > New York

Experienced business executive sold successful industrial products business and is now looking for new opportunities. BS Industrial Engineering, MBA Finance (Columbia). 10 years merchant banking experience and 15 years in my business. Capital, energy and expertise available. Prefer established business.

$50,000 to $1,000,000

United States > New York

I am a 63 year old ex investor with much global experience having built global business in real-estate and financial services.

$75,000 to $125,000

United States > New York

I have worked with many Entrepreneurs that have developed successful companies. I have a personal Network of investors with in the New York City area that are very interested in investing in new ideas. Our investors are serious, knowledgeable, and are looking for Entrepreneurs who share these same values. If you think you are one of these people, please contact us. Thanks.

$5,000 to $1,000,000

United States > Kentucky

Private investor

$50,000 to $100,000

United States > New Jersey

We are a group of investors, interested in projects to stimulate the economy. We are directly in contact with the Private Placement Bank. Because they are Private, loans are not necessary, as no form of repayment is required. We assure you will achieve all of your funding objectives from 5M to 2B+ and not have to pay it back, guaranteed. Assets, and or Liquidity are required. You will use it to leverage funding for yourself, the bank will do the rest. again, for this program YOU MUST HAVE ASSETS OR LIQUIDITY. These are non traditional forms of banking, credit checks are not necessary. solid business plans are as the the money must go to the project in many cases. simply because you don't have to pay it back, you must at least bring assets.

$5,000,000 to $2,000,000,000