How to Make Investors Obsess Over Funding Your Physical Product Startup

Welcome to The Innovators Insight.

Every Saturday, you’ll get an actionable email explaining everything you need to know about physical product concept design, development, fundraising, and marketing so you can develop your ideas from sketch to scale.

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Do you have an innovative product idea but need funding to make it real?

Getting investor attention is tough, but possible with the right approach.

This week I'll share tips to position your startup to attract the capital you need to go from prototype to production.

Let's dive in...

Step 1: Create a stellar pitch deck

Your pitch deck is the key tool for sparking investor interest.

It should tell a compelling story that covers your:

• Product concept

• Team credentials

• Current traction and validation

• Business model and projections

• How you will use funds.

Use striking visuals and minimal text to showcase your prototype and customers interacting with it. Demonstrate the problem you are solving clearly.

Craft your narrative like a movie plot - build intrigue and excitement. Revise many times to make it razor sharp.

Step 2: Expand your network

Connecting with potential investors starts by expanding your network.

Attend startup events, conferences, and seminars to meet investors face-to-face. This allows you to share passion and build rapport.

Cold email and message relevant investors to request intro calls. Get warm introductions through advisors and other founders with traction.

Join communities like AngelList to connect with early-stage investors open to emerging startups. Warm leads convert far better than cold outreach.

Step 3: Share your traction

Investors want concrete proof of demand for your product before committing capital.

Collect customer research data, run pre-orders or crowdfunding, get reviews - anything showing people's eagerness to buy.

Early sales, even small, are hugely powerful. Feature excited customer testimonials.

Proving your product is already wanted by real users is rocket fuel for investment interest.

Step 4: Highlight your unfair advantage

In your pitch, be sure to explain what gives your startup an edge over competitors.

Do you have exclusive patents or IP protecting your technology?

Does your team have unmatched industry experience?

Does your product have innovative features, materials, or engineering that are hard to replicate?

For example, highlight if you developed new propriety tech that solves unmet needs better than alternatives.

Lean into your strengths.

Step 5: Be clear on use of funds

Investors will ask - how exactly will you deploy our capital?

Be detailed on your key activities and the budgets required, like:

• Finalizing design

• Prototyping

• Certifications

• Manufacturing

• Marketing

Show you have a clear, prudent plan to hit milestones. Investors want to see savvy resource allocation.

With a stellar pitch, network, validation, unfair advantage, and prudent use of funds, you can get your physical product startup funded!

Final Thoughts

Fundraising is challenging but very possible for physical product entrepreneurs with the right preparation and persistence.

Focus on building relationships with investors who align with your vision.

Demonstrate your capability, passion, and progress.

With smart planning and hard work, you can attract the partners and capital to turn your idea into a reality.

Talk soon,

Roy

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Raise crowdfunding: We can help you turn your product prototype into an investible asset. If you’ve got a working prototype, and need funding to scale, send me a direct message on Linkedin (click here) saying “funding” for more details on how we can help.
   

2. Validate your physical product concept: Got a concept (napkin sketch or full concept design) for a killer product? We want to see it. Click here to submit it for review.
   

3. Free Guide - Crowdfunding 101: How to prepare your physical product for a crowdfunding campaign. Click here to learn more.