[phoenixrising]

I am in the software reseller business and I am currently looking for some investors to help grow the company. Originally I had a busines partner who was also a close friend. He went through some personal issues which put some financial strain on the company. So much so that I considered starting over. However in the 9 months that the company has been in business, we have built a pretty solid customer base and quite honestly our progression should have been double of where it is now if it was not for this former partner of mine.

The type of software that the company sells is for businesses only. It is from a tier one vendor and one of the largest companies in the software industry. I myself have 10 years experience in the software industry (in a variety of roles technical, sales, management) and six of them were at this company. Hence my competitive advantage stems from my, thorough understanding of the product, numerous inside relationships within the company which I can leverage at anytime and my access to a very large customer base due to my previous tenure.

Now this type of business is not unique there are other companies that sell this software as part of their portfolio of products. However what I have found is that most of these companies are not specialized and sell the product reactively versus proactively trying to seek out opportunities.

If anyone is interested I would like to contact them further as there are a number of details which could not be conveniently discussed in this forum.
Also one other detail is I am looking at raising 150k in case anyone was wondering.

[demiGod031]

If you want to look for serious investors, maybe the first thing you should do is to prepare a business plan. Many financial institutions will not hesitate to lend you the money if they have an evidence that your company is worth investing in.

Good luck!

[phoenixrising]

Thanks for your response and advice...however I actually do have a business plan which I have been updating since the company was started 9 months ago. The problem that I face is that the company is still considered relatively new in the minds of most of the financial instiutions that I have had discussions with, in fact many of these instititions have requested for two years audited financial statements which I do not have as of yet. There are also some government sponsored programs however there are restrictions and limitations on how you can use the funding,therefore these programs are often not an option. I have also looked at the possibility of angel investing, as there is a local group in my area. Although from what I know of most Angels, is that they involve themselves deeply within your business and management structure. I understand the value of this and I am always open to help/advice/consultation however giving away too much control of the company at this stage of its development is something that I am not considering.
Hence I am looking at the possibility of private investing. I know there is risk when working with a new company, in fact calculating risk is probably one of the most useful skills that an entreprenuer or investor can have. Therefore if there are any serious investors I would like to share with you the vision of where the company could potentially be headed and the opportunity that is at stake.

[akula]

Originally Posted by demiGod031

If you want to look for serious investors, maybe the first thing you should do is to prepare a business plan. Many financial institutions will not hesitate to lend you the money if they have an evidence that your company is worth investing in.

Good luck!

where did you get this information? I especially like "Many financial institutions will not hesitate to lend you the money".

If you want to look for serious investors, people gotta stop hanging at internet forums

[akula]

Originally Posted by phoenixrising

Therefore if there are any serious investors I would like to share with you the vision of where the company could potentially be headed and the opportunity that is at stake.

That's the best part of your pitch. To improve it say, "Dear investor whom I've been personally introduced to by another person, I have a company, I need advice, you know this space better than anyone, can I come in for a 30 minute interview to pick your brain and discuss this market".

[Day2]

http://www.onstartups.com/Home/tabid...x?navby=Recent

I'm not a big fan of expansive business plans, though a good executive summary is a good idea.

I'd focus on trying to convey how you are going to grow dramatically. Most investors are looking to see their money double, triple, or more. This happens when you realize an exit strategy of some kind.

Also, you should be aware that seeking 150k puts you in a rough spot. It's on the high side for a lot of angel investors and very much on the low side for VC folks. Even seed stage investors generally look to invest 250-500k minimum. So I'd either make your deal bigger or smaller.

Have you pondered more traditional financing (banks, etc)?

I've said it a zillion times-- selling things is about selling BENEFITS. Don't talk about who you are as much as how you are well-placed to make the investor rich. Talk about how you are (as far as such things go) a low-risk venture.

G'luck!