Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Looking for venture capital? Elizabeth Cook, a Managing Partner at AI Capital in Denver, offers four tips to help better ensure success in this Fast Company column.

• Recommendation 1: Strategic Communication which she calls the 20-second pitch. “Aim for succinct and captivating storytelling. It’s worth the investment of time and communication expertise in this most difficult form of communication,” Cook writes.
• Recommendation 2: Financial transparency which translates into that famous line from the movie Jerry McGuire about “show me the money.”
• Recommendation 3: “Successful founders distinguish themselves by possessing an in-depth knowledge of their specific industry vertical,” Cook explains. “This expertise shapes every facet of the business, from the nuances of product development to the strategies employed for marketing and scaling.”
• Recommendation 4: “Not all investment offers are equal; the key is to select an investor whose business philosophy and approach align with yours,” she writes, and that’s advice we have heard repeatedly. “Early conversations, particularly around the term sheet, can provide insights into the investor’s attitude and approach, underscoring the importance of choosing a partner who offers a true ally in your entrepreneurial journey.”

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