YEC Members Offer Advice for Finding, Vetting and Learning From Investors

7 Helpful Resources for Finding Competitors and Investors

CrunchBase: This is your No. 1 source of information on leading companies, founders, executives and investors.
LinkedIn: Find mutual connections on the largest professional networking service.
AngelList: This platform allows investors and job seekers to discover the most innovative startups.
Quora: Ask any question to a community of knowledgeable users or search its database for similar queries.
TechCrunch: This online publisher is your go-to resource for the latest news in the tech industry.
Onevest: Find reputable investors on this popular crowdfunding site for entrepreneurs.
Owler: Get everything from company profiles, news alerts, business data and more.

They have relevant experience. “Make sure they’ve done deals in the past and know how an investment works in your particular industry.” - Faraz Khan
They want you to succeed. “Do you feel like they have your back, or are you just a number on a spreadsheet?” - Tammy Leigh Kahn
They’re flexible. “The terms of the deal hopefully won’t change, but they need to be flexible in case certain things happen.” - Faraz Khan
They focus on helping you solve your problems. “When I call my investor, he sits down with me and drills specifically into the issue.” - Erik Severinghaus
They don’t micromanage. “You want someone who’s going to trust you and be an advisor -- not someone who’s going to demand information when it’s not the right time. Gauge what they ask. Are they checking in or just asking for numbers?” - Faraz Khan
They’re reliable. “Anything that [my investor] says he’s going to do, I have tremendous faith that he’s going to do it.” - Erik Severinghaus

“Have you ever made an investment like this before? Was it successful, and if not, why?” - Faraz Khan
“How many more investments do you plan to make this year?” Ideally, they’re at the beginning of their funds so they can be lenient with deadlines. - Tammy Leigh Kahn
“Would I be comfortable getting a beer or having dinner with this person?” -- Douglas Hutchings
“What’s your expected worst case scenario? What are you comfortable with?” Faraz Khan
“Are there any other firms I should be talking to?” - David Berry
“Do you have other current investments?” - Faraz Khan

This feature originally appeared in YEC Quarterly, a print magazine for YEC members. YEC Quarterly is no longer producing new issues.