With over 35,000 startups registered annually, it is safe to say that the business sector in the UAE is skyrocketing. It is a prime destination for investors and entrepreneurs due to its tax-free system, business-friendly visa regulations, and government rules. However, every company needs Dubai business plan or finances for a successful venture, and securing that is a big hassle. However, that shouldn’t stop you from achieving your entrepreneurial dream.
We’re here to help you make your business desire come true with our information-packed guide. It will walk you through attracting investors and persuade them to answer your call to action.
Perfect Your Pitch: 7 Effective Steps To Secure Your Investment
- Come Up With A Solid Entrepreneurial Plan
A solid plan to secure your investment is vital. It will inform you about every next phase you need to go through. It will prevent you from wondering here and there, saving you time. The entrepreneurial plan should always have a professional tone and easy-to-understand language. It should exhibit a straightforward writing style and shouldn’t contain any fluff.
The business plan should represent the following format:
| Outline | Things To Cover In Each Section |
| Executive Summary | It should always begin with your executive summary. Precisely describe your start-up, its mission, and the potential market opportunities. |
| Market Analysis | Exhibit your understanding of your chosen industry, target market, and competitors. |
| Business Model | Open up about how your start-up makes or will generate money. Include information about your revenue streams and pricing policy. |
| Marketing And Sales Strategy | Explain your plan to attract prospects and retain customers. |
| Financial Projections | Share your forecasts for revenue, expenditures, and profitability. Your potential investors would want to know about your strategies on how you’ll grow your company. They will also want to be aware of when you’ll yield maximum profits. |
| Team | Mention the skills, qualifications, and experience of your team. Your potential investor would want to know to confirm they’re investing in a credible team. |
- Find Your Potential Investors
First of all, search for angel investors – individuals with high net worth. They may provide you with the necessary capital for start-ups in exchange for equity. If you can’t recognize them in your circle, look for venture capitalists. VCs are firms that usually fund those start-ups that have high growth potential in exchange for equity.
The government of the United Arab Emirates also offers grants and programs to support new companies. So, they’re worth considering. Another choice is to opt for corporate investors, such as large companies. They usually fund start-ups to yield strategic benefits. Crowdfunding platforms, like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, are where you can also raise money for your company from the public.
Otherwise, ask your wealthy family and friends who trust you and believe in your entrepreneurial vision. Who knows they might be your potential funder. However, approach them in a professional way to increase your success chances.
- Develop A Persuasive Pitch
The quality of your pitch can make or break your efforts’ outcome. Therefore, take proper time and use all your attention to wisely develop a persuasive pitch. Create a gripping summary of your start-up that you can deliver within thirty seconds. Present it along with your pitch deck – a visual presentation. It should cover key aspects of your entrepreneurial plan.
Include clear, concise, and professional slides on your product, company model, market opportunity, team (and advisors), and financial projections. Add a strong opening with an attention-grabbing hook or a powerful statement. Keep the design visually appealing of the pitch deck. Maintain consistent branding and avoid excessive elements to achieve a clutter-free design.
If possible, show a working prototype of your product or a demo of your services. It will present a realistic view of what you’ll offer to your prospects. End with a convincing call to action (CTA).
- Network And Build Relationships
Once you have your business plan and pitch ready, you’re all set to network and build relationships. Attend industry events, such as start-up meetups, conferences, and trade shows. Who knows you might meet your potential investment at one of them. Join programs that offer mentorship and an opportunity to connect with funders. We live in the digital era, so don’t leave your online efforts behind. Use LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms to connect with prospects.
- Communicate With Your Prospects
Begin the initial contact with a short introduction of yourself and your pitch deck. Later, conduct follow-up meetings. Prepare for discussions and be ready to answer the possible tough questions. Your funder will check on your business to ensure financials and legal documents are in the right order.
Stay in touch with your prospects, even if they do not invest initially. While it’s important to be persistent, ensure you don’t come across as overly aggressive or pushy. Once you have successfully convinced them, continuously provide updates on your progress and share your achievements to maintain engagement.
For instance, emails work better for initial follow-ups while phone calls are for in-depth discussions. Dress appropriately to maintain professionalism, even in virtual meetings. Treat your prospects with respect and be honest. Let your passion and enthusiasm for entrepreneurship shine through your communication.
- Negotiate Terms And Conditions
Understand your prospect’s primary concerns and objectives. Study the common terms and conditions in the UAE startup funding landscape. It will let you prepare a strong negotiation game plan. Know your bottom line and find areas where you may be ready for negotiation. Develop your alternative offers to present during the discussions.
Confidently express your needs and concerns while maintaining a professional tone. Pay focus on the long-term value your company can provide to your funder. Be aware of the non-financial terms, like board representation or advisory roles. Some additional key terms to negotiate are valuation, ownership, exit strategy, governance, vesting schedule, and board representation.
Consult with a lawyer if you want to negotiate your terms and conditions effectively. A legal professional specialist can help you ensure the protection of your rights. Review all legal documents attentively, such as investment agreements and term sheets.
- Finally Close The Deal
Here comes the last step – close your deal. Develop a personal connection with your potential investor. Maintain transparency and showcase your credibility. Address their concerns and objections by offering thoughtful responses and evidence. Clearly articulate the benefits and long-term value they will have by funding you. Highlight their investment strategy to align with your start-up.
Open up about your company’s growth potential. Respect your funder’s decline and thank them for their time. Consider whatever feedback they share with you. Review the terms, gather necessary documents, and coordinate the closing to finalize your deal. Celebrate your achievement and focus on the execution of your business plan. Give your best attempt to achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
Effective Tips For Securing Investment For Your Start-Up In The UAE
Here are a few ones to consider:
- Understand The Funder’s Perspective
The funder is always interested in the return on investment. Your well-designed pitch should make the benefits they’ll get clear. Second, they want to know your risk mitigation strategies, so present your tactics for overcoming obstacles faced in the entrepreneurial pathway.
- Create A Robust Network
Leverage existing connections to create newer ones. Introduce yourself to prospects effectively. Seek referrals from your mentors, advisors, and other businessmen in your industry.
- Flaunt Your Traction
Flaunting early traction, like revenue, user growth, or partnerships will work in your favor. It shows your potential in entrepreneurship. Showcase customer validation by sharing case studies or positive feedback from your clientele.
- Grow Your Digital Presence
Make your website professional by integrating a well-designed user interface and easily approachable content. Make the site informative for your start-up. Also, leverage social media to share updates and grow your audience. LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter are the most worth-considering platforms.
- Express Your Commitment And Passion
Express your communication and passion for your entrepreneurship. Funders usually prefer to invest in the ones who are dedicated to their work. It assures them that their money is in the right hands. So, convince them about it. Exhibit your resilience and persistence to overcome setbacks.
Summing Up
Securing investment for your start-up in the United Arab Emirates is a tricky challenge, but completely possible. You can make it happen by taking the right path and avoiding mistakes. You can only do it when you’re aware of the effective steps to secure funds to start your dream business. With our practical strategies and valuable tips, you’re all set to increase your chances of convincing your potential investors. So, follow our guide to successfully fund your entrepreneurial venture.