A quick Quora or Google search is all it takes to uncover torrid tales of unscrupulous investors. From angel groups with pay-to-pitch schemes to private equity demands and backroom deals, the horror stories are many. If you’re an entrepreneur on the hunt for funding for your company, it can feel like you’re swimming with the sharks without any protection. How do you know whom to trust, who is worth pitching to, and whom you should avoid at all costs? Just as angel investors and venture capitalists will investigate your company, it is crucial you do your own due diligence to uncover details about potential backers for your business. No, you don’t have to hire a private investigator or dig through court records to uncover their misdeeds. Today’s entrepreneurs have numerous investor-hunting tools at their disposal. Review the following roundup of investor investigation resources to see which ones will help you choose the best investors to approach for funding.
ElectoralHQ
If you want to stalk potential investors on Twitter, ElectoralHQ is a powerful tool for your funding efforts. Discover the Twitter handles for top investors like Hunter Walk, Mark Suster, Chris Dixon, and Aileen Lee. Follow tweet streams for high-profile angel investors and venture capitalists including Fred Wilson, Benedict Evans, and Paul Graham. ElectoralHQ makes it super easy to discover Twitter lists on topics ranging from angel investors and venture capitalists to startup companies and accelerators. Use the data you find to create your own Twitter lists of dream investors for your startup or small business. Be careful discovering ElectoralHQ; you’ll kick yourself for not having discovered it sooner.
( electoralhq.com/twitter-lists/search?q=angel+investor)
Investor Leaderboard
CrunchBase’s Investor Leaderboard lets you sort investors by geographic regions where they have previously invested, by their funding stage preference, and even by the number of their financial exits. Whether you’re looking for seed financing for your startup or are contemplating raising your Series A, you can discover who your prime targets should be to approach for funding. You can sort funding data in three-month, six-month, or yearly increments.
(crunchbase.com/investor-leaderboard)
FlashFunders
If you would rather spend your time building a profitable company than jetting around the globe to meet with potential investors, FlashFunders is a must-add option for your entrepreneur’s resource list. This helpful interface lets you spotlight your startup to multiple investors at once. Describe your startup, explain the financing terms you’re looking for, and monitor investor attention via a handy online dashboard. You can focus on creating a revenue-positive company and let potential investors come to you. (flashfunders.com/startups)
Local Alaskan Venture Capitalist
Finding funding from investors isn’t about taking whatever financing is offered. Not all investors are a good fit for your company. Working with Venture North Group in Anchorage Alaska provides experience and stellar connections. Venture North Group will ensure your backers are an excellent fit for your company and your business’ future. Contact us today regarding your next project.