What Questions Do You Ask Potential Investors?

As part of our ongoing documentary on the First Strike Incubator's Team taking one product from Idea To Market; we are launching a themed series, straight from the vaults of the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast.Theme 1: Fundraising - Capital & InvestorsOver the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping episodes, insights, and yes… even some ridiculous outtakes, all focused on fundraising. This is a topic that impacts every business, yet is often clouded by noise and misinformation.Our podcasts are built from lived experience. Decades of launching growing, scaling and exiting businesses and products. The goal: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.In This Episode: Ask questions. Get answers, even if you don't like the answers.** Taking information in is so important.** Have you ever heard of Sicilian Amnesia?** How to talk to investors.** Investors should be bringing more to the table than money.** Get market intel and ideally sell something. You shouldn't be jumping to investors first.** Investors can bring in other expertise.** As an investor, I'm going to push back on you too.** It's not a one-way interview. Both sides must ask tough questions.** I feel like Tiny Tim** Do all your analysis and get market validation first.** What do you bring to the table besides money?** Why do you want to be involved with me and my product?** What is your ROI and timeline? Do you need the money for bills?** Ask uncomfortable questions.** We lay out all the milestones and ask questions up front.** I always ask, what else have you invested in?** I try to test them. How are they in a crisis? How do they handle "no"?** My fundraising mantra is, "I want alignment".** Early on, it's like a dinner meeting.** Real Estate investing is a completely different risk profile.** What was the largest challenge building your business?** The first step is a conversation. Can I work with this group?** Uncomfortable conversations. ** It will come down to due diligence.** Is it worth investing the time if you are not going to be good partners? **Don't share proprietary information up front. Filter for qualified investors.** It takes time to build relationships and trust.** Have honest early-stage conversations.** Investors want to see that you think strategically.** Ideally what does this investment look like? ** I hate maybes. What else are you looking for?** You need to keep networking. It's a numbers game.** Build warm leads.** Put it in writing even if it is your family and friends.** Know what you are getting and who you are dealing with.** Loans vs. Investments.