Ohio Investment Network

Business Plan Tips

What Investors Are Looking For In A Plan

Investors, whether angels or VC's, are looking for the same things when reading a business plan. They want to know how big the opportunity is, whether this is the right team to exploit the opportunity, who the competition is, what the risks are, and why they can expect this team to implement successfully. Your job in writing the business plan is to address these questions convincingly and clearly.

Emphasize Your Real Strengths

Highlight what your team brings to the table. If your business hinges on a particular competency (for example, understanding the procurement process), your plan will be more persuasive if one of your team members knows something about it and that is brought out in your plan. Rather than including generic resumes of team members, tailor the resumes to draw out the experience each member has that will make him or her a valuable contributor.

Get To The Point And Make It Clear And Comprehensive

Investors see many business plans. A 20-page plan which clearly lays out your business is far more likely to be read than a 100 page plan. Today, some entrepreneurs are using a 15 slide Powerpoint presentation. If your text is short and punchy, you won't need to repeat yourself, because the reader won't be bogged down keeping ten chapters in their head. Reading the same thing over and over, even if it's in different words, can get really tiring. The more you use brevity and give each concept a single home in your document, the more people will want to read it.

Write In Plain English

If you can't explain your idea in English, either you don't understand what you're talking about (What is a transaction enabled atomic journaling database server, anyway?) or you haven't simplified the idea enough. Think, revise, and try again.

Get Rid Of The Hype

Yes, we know you will be the "premier insert product category here of the Internet, achieving 99% market penetration with 60% customer retention in 3 months". Your product will reach "new heights in customer experience through the use of personalization and one-to-one profiling and customization". It will be "user friendly" because you will be creating a truly "ecstatic customer experience". It is a "quantum leap forward" in the marketplace for product category here. Um, yeah. Believe me, we've read it before. About a dozen times today, in fact. (And by the way, the phrase "quantum leap" really doesn't mean anything.) Stick to a tight, simple explanation of your idea. Convince your reader you'll be the best because your idea is the best, not because you can string a dozen buzzwords together.

Use Quantifiable Information

In each section, back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.

Choose A Huge Market

Especially in the internet world, investors are looking more at the market than at the detailed specifics of your financials. Choose a market that is big enough to be an obvious good opportunity. A business which targets teenage girls who listen to music and has a reasonable chance of capturing 90% of the girls that are online is a huge opportunity. A business which targets net-savvy SAAB mechanics who need prosthetic limbs is not.

Ohio Investors

United States > Ohio

I am a married man with one son and I have been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years. I do have a college degree and up to 100K to invest if the right opportunity for me. Depending on the type of investment and/location, I can be either hands-on, advisory and/or silent, but prefer to be silent. My status is as an individual investor. Although my expertise is mortgage loans and real estate, I am open to different ventures if they make sense and the return is worth it.

$5,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

I am looking to provide working capital and assistance with starting a new business. I am married and I reside in Columbus, Ohio and I am willing to consider opportunities throughout the United States. I have a Bachelors Degree in Economics and a Masters Degree in Data Science. I am available as a silent investor or I can assist with general licensing, accounting, web site design, marketing, etc. look forward to hearing your investment ideas.

$10,000 to $50,000

United States > Ohio

I am a 38yr old female residing in Columbus,OH. I have a masters degree in business and marketing with over 10 yrs of experience in the financial industry. I have small personal investments and would like to increase capital wealth by investing with others. I am an independent investor and can provide advisory and silent partnership.

$5,000 to $50,000

United States > Ohio

Experienced entrepreneur with a extensive background in hospitality, real esate and marketing.

$25,000 to $750,000

United States > Ohio

I am a 67 year old retired man, married 47 years. Worked in positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing for my entire career. Extensive domestic and international experience in all aspects of setting up and running both high volume, repetitive and large capital equipment manufacturing operations. Recently retired from full time work, but looking to stay active and help build manufacturing operations. Located in NE Ohio.

$10,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

Handw on or silent partner, experience in property management, owner operator of vacation rentals, RN. Looking to invest in the right fit and opportunity.

$5,000 to $200,000

United States > Ohio

I'm a serial entrepreneur that has built and sold 2 companies. I'm looking to put some of my capital to work.

$100,000 to $5,000,000

United States > Ohio

Private investment firm. The principals have over 30 years of investment experience focused on a full range of opportunities including technology/software, real estate, media, food, sports and hospitality. We are entrepreneurial and driven to create win-win situations. Seeking investments that are currently established and are looking to fund growth or secure new opportunities via acquisitions or jv's. We look at a range of structures including straight equity, preferred equity, participating debt etc. Quick responses provided on submissions - don't want to waste anyone's time! Tremendous network of seasoned professionals. Principals enjoy taking active advisory roles in subject business.

$25,000 to $5,000,000