Mastering Startup Fundraising: Insights from Lipi Panchmia’s Keynote at ATLAS

Do you dream of launching your own startup but wonder how to secure the necessary funds to turn your ideas into reality? Lipi Panchmia, a Senior Associate at Roots Ventures, shared a treasure trove of wisdom and insights with the students in Saturday Startup School at ATLAS. Her keynote presentation, titled “Dos and Don’ts of Startup Fundraising,” not only demystified the complex world of startup fundraising but also left our audience inspired and empowered.

Why and When Startups Raise Funds

Panchmia started her presentation by shedding light on the fundamental question: Why do startups raise funds? The reasons are as diverse as the startups themselves. They may need funds to build a team, develop a product, market and sell the product, expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or simply achieve profitability. Knowing why and when to raise funds is the first step to a successful fundraising journey.

What Investors Look For

Understanding what investors seek in a startup is crucial. Investors, as Panchmia explained, look for a potent combination of a robust team, a sizable addressable market and a clear path to profitability. Innovation and disruptive potential are also highly regarded. So, aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on these aspects to catch the eye of investors.

Types of Funding

Panchmia made it clear that startups have several options when it comes to funding, such as equity, debt and venture debt. By selecting the right type of funding for your venture, you can maintain control over your business and ensure long-term sustainability.

The Fundraising Process

One of the key takeaways from Panchmia’s presentation was the step-by-step fundraising process. To raise funds successfully, you should:

• Prepare a compelling pitch deck.
• Network with potential investors.
• Master the art of negotiating terms with investors.

Specific Tips for Student Entrepreneurs

For students aspiring to raise funds for their startups, Panchmia had a set of invaluable tips:

• Be proactive in your school/college community.
• Create high-quality content to showcase your expertise.
• Seek internships at startups to gain practical experience.
• If possible, leverage family business connections.
• Invest in online courses to enhance your knowledge.

Additional Insights

Panchmia further emphasized the significance of having a strong, passionate team and a well-defined path to profitability when seeking investors. She encouraged students to start building personal connections with potential investors early on, attend startup events, and always be prepared with a pitch deck and answers to common questions.

Audience Q&A

Following her presentation, Panchmia engaged in a lively Q&A session. She offered insights into various topics, including her tips for student entrepreneurs, real-life examples of how Roots Ventures valued a startup, effective strategies for networking with investors and the sectors expected to trend in 2023-2024.

Lipi Panchmia’s presentation was a comprehensive guide to the startup fundraising process. Her valuable insights, combined with the interactive nature of the session, left students better equipped to navigate the challenging but exciting world of startup fundraising. With the right knowledge and determination, your entrepreneurial dreams can become a reality. Don’t miss the next opportunity to learn from industry experts like Lipi Panchmia! Stay tuned for more exciting sessions in the Saturday Startup School.