Pitch Decks Don’t Win Deals. What Investors really Look For In Founders

What does it truly take to succeed as an entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world? This week, Claire sits down with serial founder and investor Andy Evans to uncover the realities of the founder and investor mindset. If you’ve ever wondered whether to take on funding, how to build genuine founder resilience, or why intense business focus is your greatest competitive advantage, this episode is for you.Andy shares his invaluable experience from building and selling three digital media businesses and investing in over 20 companies. He introduces his ‘Jam Sandwich’ analogy for effectively using AI in business, explaining how to leverage technology without losing the essential human touch that builds trust and authority. This is a crucial lesson for anyone navigating the complexities of modern content and marketing.Furthermore, Andy provides a rare, candid look into the world of venture capital, demystifying what investors are really looking for. He discusses the critical importance of traction, the personal traits that signal a founder is a good investment, and offers practical advice on securing investment. We also explore the nuances of personal branding for founders and why a diverse network is more critical than ever for long-term success.This conversation is packed with actionable advice and hard-won insights for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to learn how to make your own luck, avoid common pitfalls, and build a business that not only survives but thrives. All resources mentioned, including Andy’s investor deck template, are linked below.Key Moment Timestamps(04:30) - The ‘Jam Sandwich’: How to correctly use AI in your business.(12:45) - Should your business actually take on investment?(18:30) - The essential traits every successful founder needs.(22:30) - Why female founders might be networking in the wrong places.(29:00) - How to build a personal brand that attracts clients, not just attention.(34:00) - The ‘Ronseal Test’ for maintaining extreme business focus.(40:00) - Andy’s one word for success (and the one to put on ice).About Claire and Her GuestYou can connect and find out more about Andy here https://linktr.ee/digitalfoundersYou find out about Eleven Writing here https://www.elevenwriting.com/Download the investors deck Andy mentions here http://deck.digitalfounders.co.uk/Download the "Jam Sandwich" Thesis here http://deck.thejamsandwich.com/If you'd like help with your own brand messaging and marketing, you can schedule a 30 min call with Claire, for free, here https://calendly.com/brandmixology/30-min-call