If you're in the initial phase of your startup lifecycle, focusing on product development, market research, and building a user base, you fall into the pre-seed stage. It's both an exciting and demanding time where your business model and value proposition start to take shape.
Follow this guide to create an appealing profile on Cherub that resonates with investors' due diligence process.
Key Sections of Your Cherub Profile
Highlights
Investors want to know exactly why your company stands out. Showcase your unique traction points, whether it's a rapidly growing user base, innovative technology, initial press coverage, or industry partnerships. Aim for direct, impressive figures and statements that grab attention.
Key Pre-Seed Metrics
The earliest metrics aren't always about revenue but could include user engagement, growth rate, or pilot project outcomes. Highlight numbers and financials that tell a compelling story of potential and progress.
Products
Is your product still in development? Don't worry. Focus on the problem you're solving and the market need. Provide an enticing preview, concept, prototype or roadmap in your pitch documents section. Share beta test results or user testimonials that indicate the value and demand for your upcoming product.
Pitch Documents
Pitch decks, financial projections, and waitlists matter significantly. They demonstrate planning, foresight, and market understanding. Craft your documents with clarity and precision. Remember, at this stage, your narrative and the promise of future success can be as persuasive as current metrics.
What We’re Looking For
Communicate who would make an ideal investor or advisor. Do you need industry-specific experience? Network connections? Technical expertise? Investors are drawn to founders who know what they need and are fearless in asking for it.
Raise
Discuss your funding goals with specifics. Pre-seed rounds generally raise smaller amounts for product development or market testing. Your profile should explain how you intend to use these funds to reach significant milestones that increase the value of your company.
Typically, resources are channeled into product development to transform nascent ideas into tangible prototypes or beta versions. Other common use of funds include bringing on a company's first hires, legal and administrative expenses, and early marketing and outreach.
Crafting Your Profile With Confidence
When you write your profile, it's essential to balance expertise with accessibility. Here's how:
Incorporate Jargon With Care: Use industry terms that demonstrate knowledge but also define them. We're fostering a community where learning is part of the investment experience.
Simplified Yet Powerful Explanations: Break complexities into engaging, understandable ideas. For example, "Our adaptive algorithms learn from user behavior, simplifying personalized experiences."
Be Transparent: Honesty builds trust. Be upfront about the challenges and risks along with the strategies you've developed to mitigate them.
Reiterate Your Value: End every section with a reminder of the benefits your company and founding team provides.
Creating your startup profile on Cherub isn't just about listing facts—it's about telling your story in a way that investors understand and trust. Your vision, when articulated clearly and passionately, has the power to inspire, entice, and ultimately, secure the investment you need to grow.
Need help? Our team is always here for you. Feel free to reach out to membership@investwithcherub.com for 1:1 guidance.