Embarking on the journey of securing investment is a crucial step for startups. The right investor not only provides financial backing but serves as a strategic partner in the long run. We often emphasize the need for investors to carefully analyze startups before providing funding, conduct proper Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and perform detailed due diligence. However, it is equally important for startups to analyze investors before making any commitments. We’ve decided to delve deep into this topic and highlight some red flags that every startup should pay attention to before entering into any agreements with investors.

Carefully select investors

Investors play a critical role beyond just providing funds. They offer insights, guidance, contacts and support that can significantly impact a startup’s development trajectory.

Picking the right investors is like choosing your team members for a challenging adventure. There should be a certain level of trust.

You want partners who not only bring in funds but also share your vision, connect you with valuable contacts, and offer guidance from their own experiences. It’s about building a lasting relationship. This careful selection process ensures that your startup’s journey is not just financially backed but also enriched with support, wisdom, and genuine collaboration.

Red flags in potential investors

• Lack of industry knowledge. Investors should possess a solid understanding of the startup’s industry. Red flags may include a general lack of knowledge or disinterest in the specific field the startup operates in. Zamir Shukho, Founder and GP at Vibranium.VC highlights that
  when choosing an investor, it is essential to look at the team and ideally, the team should have some relevant experience, either from the industry or from the startup’s vertical. This is to ensure that the team understands not only how to invest but also how to support the portfolio company further.
• Unrealistic expectations. Investors with unrealistic expectations can pose a threat. Beware of those setting overly ambitious growth targets, aggressive timelines, or making demands inconsistent with industry norms.
• Lack of commitment. Investors must be committed to the success of the startup. Signs of concern include minimal involvement, failure to meet commitments, or inconsistent communication. Valentina Pidgaina, Head of pipeline and partnerships at Vibranium. VC puts an emphasis on communication, that should be transparent, honest, and pressure-free for both parties.
• Poor reputation. Startups also need to do a KYC check. The reputation of an investor speaks volumes. Be cautious if there’s a history of disputes, negative reviews from other entrepreneurs, or a lack of transparency. Also pay attention to media presence. According to Zamir, it is important to obtain reviews from other founders who have interacted with the fund, understanding how they engage, conduct negotiations, and whether they exert extreme pressure on founders, among other things.
• Focus on short-term gains. Remember, venture is a long-term relationship. Investors solely focused on short-term gains can hinder long-term growth. Watch out for constant pressure for quick returns or a fixation on immediate exit strategies.
• Don’t have stable funds. If a fund has committed funds, it is crucial to verify their financial status. There are cases where a fund exists on paper but lacks the necessary funds, leading to a waste of time in negotiations.

Let’s talk consequences of ignoring red flags

Choosing an investor without thorough checking may lead to financial strain and loss of control for startups, especially first-time founders . Ignoring red flags can result in misaligned values, reputation damage (this is what you don’t want to face, especially if you are raising), limited growth opportunities, legal issues, and difficulty attracting future investments.

Additionally, it may stifle innovation and hinder the company’s ability to navigate tough times effectively. Proper research and consideration are crucial to avoid these consequences and ensure a successful, sustainable partnership.