How do you handle startup competition and pressure when seeking funding?

3 Prepare your pitch deck

Your pitch deck is the presentation that showcases your startup to investors. It should be concise, clear, and convincing. It should cover the key aspects of your startup, such as the problem, the solution, the market, the traction, the team, the business model, and the ask. You should also anticipate and address the common questions and objections that investors might have. You can use tools like Canva, Slidebean, or Pitch to create and design your pitch deck. You should also practice and rehearse your pitch with feedback from others.

4 Manage your emotions

Seeking funding can be stressful and emotional. You might face rejection, criticism, or uncertainty. You might also feel anxious, frustrated, or discouraged. These emotions are normal and understandable, but they can also affect your performance and well-being. Therefore, you need to manage your emotions and cope with the pressure. You can do this by maintaining a positive mindset, celebrating your achievements, learning from your failures, seeking support from others, and taking care of yourself. You should also remember that funding is not the only measure of success and that there are other ways to grow your startup.

5 Negotiate your terms

If you get an offer from an investor, congratulations! You have passed a major milestone in your startup journey. However, the process is not over yet. You still need to negotiate the terms of the deal, such as the valuation, the equity, the dilution, the milestones, the rights, and the obligations. You should be prepared to negotiate and advocate for your interests, but also be realistic and respectful. You should also consult with a lawyer or an expert to review the term sheet and the contract before you sign anything. Negotiating your terms can be tricky and complex, but it can also be rewarding and satisfying.

6 Build long-term relationships

Getting funded is not the end of your relationship with your investors. It is the beginning. You need to build long-term relationships with your investors and keep them updated, engaged, and happy. You should communicate with them regularly, report your progress, share your challenges, ask for advice, and solicit feedback. You should also appreciate their support, acknowledge their contributions, and respect their expectations. By building long-term relationships with your investors, you will gain their trust, loyalty, and advocacy. You will also create a strong foundation for your startup's future growth and success.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?