How to interview a potential investor
It’s important to be prepared to answer any questions a venture capitalist may inquire about your previous experiences. Particularly, you need to prepare to answer questions regarding your experience in the field (how you contributed to the deals you worked on) and your knowledge of the industry. You should be ready to answer questions regarding general investment questions including how you would calculate a cap table or the most important metrics and ratios in the industry.
In preparing for a meeting with an investor, it is important to remember that investors are looking for individuals who have a genuine desire in early stage startups. Make sure you bring a lot energy to the interview and focus on the things that get you excited about seed stage company activities. This will allow you to stand out from other candidates and prove to the interviewer you’re a good fit for their business.
It’s also important to understand the specific risks associated with the industry when investing in a startup. For instance, you should be familiar with the typical exit strategy for an angel or seed investment, and the different control mechanisms that investors can use, such as veto and drag-along rights. It’s crucial to know the typical timelines for closing a VC deal, so that you can explain the way your experience fits into.