How to pitch target industries to resonate with traditional investors?

by a searcher from Harvard University

2 months ago

Hi Searchfunder community! 

I'm currently forming an investment thesis and making plans for fundraising (a traditional search).  I have questions about how folks identified their target industries and what resonated in their pitch with investors.  

Would anyone with experience fundraising for a traditional search be free for a quick call? I'd really appreciate hearing your perspective. Thank you in advance!
About me: Background in product management, startup operations (revenue), and venture capital. Involved in multiple M&As - as an investor, a startup operator, and a strategic acquirer. A.B. Economics at Harvard. Based in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

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searcher from Harvard University - Harvard Business School

To start, it can be helpful to define the key characteristics you are looking for in a business. Consider filters such as size, margin, customer retention, and cyclicality. Once you have these criteria, talk with a diverse group of successful searchers and start collecting ideas for sectors or industries that interest you. Next, cross-reference those industries with your defined characteristics to narrow down the list. Generally, identifying 3-5 industries you like, along with high-level reasoning for each, is a solid approach. You might encounter opportunities outside your initial industry thesis, and that’s perfectly fine. Having a few starting points can help focus your search without being restrictive.

1 day ago | like reply | 0 likes

searcher from Concordia University

Davis - Feel free to message me and happy to get on a call. I think one thing to think about is how your background would allow you to be a good operator in that space as well.

1 month ago | like reply | 0 likes

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