How to pitch to angels: 5 deadly sins and a better approach

99% of founders fail at raising pre-seed. It’s not because they’re too early. It’s because they never build a credibility loop. Here’s how to fix that: ➜ Stop lying. Investors smell it instantly. ➜ Get clear on exactly what you want. ➜ Be bold and direct in every conversation. That confidence is what unlocks checks. The best entrepreneurs didn’t just pitch. They created credibility loops that made people believe in them before the product even worked.

You think investors start judging you after your pitch begins? Wrong. They’ve already formed an opinion before you even open your mouth. I’ve sat in 200+ investor meetings, helped 20+ founders close rounds, and here’s the harsh truth First impressions decide 70% of the meeting. I see it happen all the time. A founder walks into the room: Disorganised deck on the table 7-minute intro before getting to the point “We’ll grow 10x in 3 months” with no plan The investor is smiling. But in their head? They’ve already decided to pass. Here are the 5 silent red flags they spot before you even get to your big idea:  🚩 Numbers that don’t match across documents 🚩 Overcomplicated storytelling with no clear value prop 🚩 Overpromising growth without supporting data 🚩 Juggling too many markets before nailing one 🚩 Not knowing the exact amount you’re raising and why Here’s the truth: Once trust drops, your idea doesn’t matter anymore. If you want investors to take you seriously, make sure you: ✅ Have clean, consistent numbers ✅ Can explain what you do in under 30 seconds ✅ Back every claim with proof with focus, not frenzy ✅ State your “ask” with confidence Founders get one chance to make a strong first impression. Don’t lose it in the first 5 minutes. I help startups remove these silent deal-killers and turn pitches into term sheets. If you’re raising or plan to, DM me before you step into that room. #StartupFunding #InvestorReady #PitchDeckTips #Fundraising #SeedRound #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship

Winning deals isn't about perfect pitches. It's about proving you can deliver under pressure, consistently, authentically, relentlessly. Whether you're in an interview or a fundraising meeting, remember: these are just auditions. Anyone can rehearse polished answers. Anyone can memorize a perfect pitch deck. But investors, like smart hiring managers, look beyond the script. They're evaluating: - How you execute, not just what you promise - Your ability to adapt when challenged - Whether you can deliver when stakes are highest The founders who win raises understand this fundamental truth: - Fundraising isn't about one perfect pitch - It's about demonstrating consistent execution - Today's "no" becomes tomorrow's "yes" through proof points Ask yourself: Is your raise built on polished slides or proven execution? At Brookstone & Partners, we help high-growth founders raise capital through strategic positioning, sharp execution, and warm introductions to the right investors. We specialize in venture-scale raises across AI, SaaS, and tech-enabled businesses. DM us - We're already speaking with your next partner. #startupfunding #venturecapital #founderlife #fundraisingtips #startupadvice #pitchdeck #entrepreneurship #investorrelations #startupgrowth #venturefunding #brookstoneandpartners #capitalraising

Our Youth and the Challenge of Waiting for Capital Before Startup One of the greatest setbacks for young people today is the mindset of waiting for big capital before starting a business. This approach kills many dreams before they even take off. The truth is, not every entrepreneurial journey starts with money; some start with trust, skill, and creativity. Many successful businesses began small, sometimes with nothing but an idea and determination. Waiting endlessly for large capital often leads to procrastination and lost opportunities. Instead of waiting, Brother/Sister: Start small with what you have. Leverage your skills and networks. Build trust so people can invest in you. Grow gradually, capital often finds those already moving. The real capital is not always money, it’s vision, discipline, and integrity.

She Lost her business before she begun... "I will launch soon" has robbed so many business owners & professionals off their careers/businesses before they could even begin. Her mistake was that she had not secured the domain. A great number will go ahead to build successful startups even before they register their business legally only for those who are first enough to act. Tough lessons for entrepreneurs

I’ve said “NO” to more founders than I’ve said “YES” to. But many of those no’s helped them more than my money I invested in their startup. Every month, I get 30+ startup pitches. That’s one pitch every single day. Most come with hope in their eyes, asking the same silent question: “Will you invest in us?” But here’s the truth… I’ve only invested in 20+ of them. Not because the others were bad. But because what they really needed wasn’t money. Some needed clarity. Some needed guidance. Some just needed someone to show them what they were missing. After every pitch, whether we invest or not, we do something most investors don’t: We send the founder a document. A clear, honest list of why we’re not investing right now And exactly what they need to fix. I tell them: “Take your time. Solve these first. Once you do, I’ll be right here.” Because I’ve been where they are. I know what it feels like to build something and still hear “not yet.” But I also know what one right insight at the right time can do for a founder. Sometimes, that insight is worth more than the investment. So no, not every pitch ends in a cheque. But many walk away with something even more valuable. A guidance to build what they believed in.

Most aspiring entrepreneurs don’t even know what a pitch deck is — yet it’s the first thing they’ll be asked for. At AIC RAISE, I’ve met founders with brilliant ideas, but when it comes to pitching, many struggle. Some decks are cluttered. Some miss the essentials. Often, the core story gets lost. So, I created a digital resource with two ready-to-use formats: ✅ Elevator Deck – for pitching your idea to incubators, mentors, or ecosystem enablers ✅ Investor Deck – for pitching your startup with clarity and confidence to investors Both are simple, structured, and designed to help your idea stand out. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or early-stage founder, this could be the place to start. 🔗 Link in comments!

Got a bold idea? Ready to put it in front of investors and corporate finance pros who can back you to go bigger? BCP startups this is your moment. We’ve teamed up with Golden Sands Capital to host a high-energy pitching showdown designed to get ambitious South Coast founders pitch-perfect, investment-ready, and right where they belong: in the spotlight. Whether your concept is sketched on a coffee-stained napkin or you’re polishing your Series A deck, this is your shot to turn potential into progress. ✨ Here’s what’s waiting for you: - A stage that’s rooting for you to win - Straight-talk coaching that sharpens your pitch - Access to investors, mentors, and seasoned entrepreneurs - A genuine shot at securing funding to fuel your growth The South Coast is buzzing with untapped talent. The next big success story could be you. Don’t let funding hold your vision back. Got something exciting? Or know someone who does? This is the sign. Comment. Share. Tag them. DM us. Just make sure you’re in the room. Because when bold founders step up, brilliant things happen. And it only takes one spark to light up the coast. Could it be yours? #BrightSparks #PitchToWin #SouthCoastStartups #InvestmentReady #GoldenSandsCapital #TheSparkHub #BCPInnovation #LocalLegends

Starting a business with co-founders is exciting, but even strong partnerships can hit roadblocks. A well-drafted founders’ agreement sets clear expectations on roles, contributions, equity, and decision-making, helping prevent disputes that could derail your startup. Think of it as a business prenup: no one hopes to use it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if conflicts arise. From equity vesting and compensation to governance, dispute resolution, and exit strategies, the right agreement protects both the business and the founders. Having a customized, lawyer-drafted plan early on strengthens trust and sets the foundation for long-term growth. 👉 Learn more about protecting your startup: http://bit.ly/47uMVbr #StartupLaw #FoundersAgreement #BusinessLaw #Entrepreneurs #RomanoLaw