Michigan 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.

Michigan Investors

United States > Michigan

I'm a 39 year old single male. Looking to grow my net worth by various income producing or asset appreciating vehicles. I am an experienced accountant by trade. I hold a Master's Degree in Accounting and also a CPA. I am new to this type of investing. Each opportunity is unique. I am open to hands on or being a silent investor. I am an individual investor.

$50,000 to $150,000

United States > Michigan

Let’s take your idea to the next level! I make non-control investments in high-growth companies/concepts/projects. I work with companies that have reached an inflection point in their lifecycle, where an infusion of capital and the right partner can make a meaningful difference in helping them achieve their growth plans. I understand the unique challenges entrepreneurs face in scaling their businesses and have an appreciation for nimble and innovative founders that blaze their own trail. I have developed a track record in partnering with driven entrepreneurs to provide the capital, relationships, business development support, best practices, and strategic advice that a large multi-billion institution can provide. I am seeking to build substantial relationships with management teams over time, placing high value in proper fit rather than rushing into a deal. I am flexible in how we structure our capital and mindful of what makes the most sense for the business.

$1 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

With a background in healthcare field and working as a dentist in US Army I want to explore the investment opportunities as I gradually transition my life from the 'Army World' to 'Civilian World'. I would like to be a silent investor. I am from Michigan so I would prefer to invest in Michigan. My job does require me to move every couple of years so I am open to out of state opportunities as well.

$50,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

CPA with 5 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry now working in Finance and Accounting for one of the United States largest Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Companies. Interested in investing in the Cannabis Industry.

$10,000 to $200,000

United States > Michigan

We are a professional investment firm with over $10M of capital, looking to invest in strong founders/management teams.

$1,000,000 to $7,000,000

United States > Michigan

Our firm has successfull invested in small to medium cap manufacturing firms since 1982 and an International Trading Company for 15 years. We now operate two Private Equity Funds with $500 AUM. We also have a new Fund with US OPIC backing supporting investment in Sub- Sahara Africa and are interested in products or services applicable to that region that is economically sustanable and provides social improvements to the local population.

$2,500,000 to $250,000,000

United States > Michigan

Married, carrier engineer with 30+ years experience in the field. Also real estate investor/builder with 10+ years experience. Interested in participating in the michigan marijuana industry.

$25,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I have a masters degree in teaching. I co-founded an educational company. I work overseas as an educator. I am for looking opportunities to partner on rental complexes in the Orlando Florida area.

$10,000 to $500,000