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

To Whom It May Concern: I worked for international media companies for 24 years - had positions as Chairman, President, COO and EVP. Started a few companies in between. At this stage of my life I want to put my experience and capital to good use. I am interested in investing as well as active participation in businesses. Having 'skin in the game' makes a lot of sense. I am affiliated with a group of experienced angel investors and turnaround specialists in Chicago. We have a team of people who can assist with various challenges.

$10,000 to $250,000

United States > Texas

I am a young entrepreneur turned investor. I worked in retail management for 15 years and excel in people, process and profits. I intend to be involved in any investment I make and will bring years of management consulting along with me. I am married, have a great 10 year old son that I'm extremely proud of. I have invested in 4 business in the last 2 years and am looking for a couple more to help take to the next level. I would like to have a hands on approach for anyone that I help. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss with you further.

$0 to $75,000

United States > Florida

Private investor in the financial services field with an extensive investment history.

$1,000,000 to $20,000,000

United States > Illinois

We invest in early stage information technology companies, including enterprise software and services, Internet infrastructure software, wireless applications, and digital media. We also invest in all sectors or give free referrals.

$1,000,000 to $99,000,000

United States > Michigan

I have over 25 years of experience in investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, capital formation, venture capital and emerging company development. I began my investment- banking career in New York with the firm of Hornblower and Weeks. In 1974, I moved to Bache Stuart Halsey Inc. as vice-president of mergers and acquisitions. In 1979, I joined Asset Management Investments, a private venture capital firm, with $22 million under management. Since 1985, I have been involved with start-up companies, developing coherent and innovative financing strategies. He is an author and a frequent speaker for entrepreneurship forums and venture capital seminars. His experience as an entrepreneur/business owner, investment banker, and venture capitalist provides a unique and comprehensive perspective for VIP’s Portfolio investments and Investing Partners.

$500,000 to $5,000,000

United States > Florida

Bought google for investment club at IPO Price, Sold at $80,000 in profit for each investor. Bought a waste consulting firm, that is now in the mid 6-figure cash flow margin. Highly involved in Entertainment & real estate.

$250 to $600,000

United States > New Jersey

MORTGAGE BANKER & EXPERT IN STRUCTURING JOINT VENTURE WHOLESALE TRANSACTIONS AS AN EQUITY PARTICIPANT WITH OBJECTIVE FOR TAKE OUT PERMANENT MORTGAGE FINANCING ARRANGED OR SALE OF PROPERTY FOR PROFIT WITHIN LESS THAN ONE YEAR ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE JOINT VENTURE CONTROLED BY INVESTOR.

$500,000 to $2,500,000

United States > California

I am a very experienced banker/financier that specializes in merging high growth private companies with public entities and invest or raise additional capital in that process. I invest $1 million or more in the initial process and continue to raise capital or invest as long as management performs according to their business plan. I do not have preference concerning the industry as I seek top quality management and do not get involved in the day to day operations. My role at all times is negotiating new financing and additional acquisitions.

$100,000 to $5,000,000