Roadmap for startups to register on US investment platforms
This roadmap provides detailed guidance for startups seeking to attract investment through leading US investment platforms.
It covers all stages, from preparing the startup to completing the investment campaign and subsequent growth.
By following this plan, startups will be able to effectively prepare, register, and successfully raise capital for their development.
Evaluating Startup Readiness
The first step in preparing to enter investment platforms is to assess the startup's readiness. This includes conducting an internal audit to evaluate the business model, market, competitive advantages, and current project status. It is also important to conduct a financial assessment to determine how much investment is needed for the next stage of development.
This step is critical as it allows the startup to realistically assess its strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for questions that potential investors may have.
1
Internal Audit
Evaluation of the business model, market, and competitive advantages
2
Financial Assessment
Determining the required investment amount
3
Analyzing Strengths
Identifying the startup's key advantages
4
Preparing for Investor Questions
Developing responses to potential questions
Before proceeding to register on US investment platforms, it is necessary to thoroughly assess the startup's readiness.
This assessment will help identify the startup's strengths and weaknesses, uncover risks and opportunities, and adjust the development strategy accordingly.
Legal formalization is a critical step for a startup planning to raise investment in the US.
This includes registering the company in the US, choosing an appropriate jurisdiction (e.g. Delaware C-Corp), completing tax documents, and obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
It is also necessary to prepare investor contracts such as SAFEs, Convertible Notes, etc.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting intellectual property, including registering patents, trademarks, and securing exclusive rights to software, other technologies, or works.
1
Company Registration
Choosing jurisdiction and legal structure, establishing the legal entity. Tax documents
Obtaining an EIN and preparing tax documentation
2
Investment Contracts
Preparing SAFE, Convertible Note, and other draft agreements
3
IP Protection
Registering patents and trademarks
Team Building
To work effectively with investment platforms, it is critical to build a strong team. This includes finding and attracting specialists in various fields such as marketing, finance, and law. Each team member must have the experience and skills necessary for successfully attracting investments and developing the startup.
It is important not only to find professionals in their respective fields, but also to ensure their effective collaboration to achieve the startup's common goals.
We will help optimize the costs of working with the necessary specialists in the initial stage of the project. We have already assembled a team of the required consultants.
Marketer
Developing a promotion strategy
Financier
Managing financial aspects
Lawyer
Providing legal support
Technical Expert
Product and technology development
Creating Presentation Materials
Preparing high-quality presentation materials is a key step in attracting investors. The main document is the pitch deck - a presentation that includes an overview of the problem, the solution, the business model, the market, the go-to-market strategy, the team, the competitors, and the financial metrics. It is also necessary to develop a detailed financial plan with revenue and expense projections, as well as a monetization strategy.
An important part is the development of a marketing strategy, which should clearly describe the action plan for market entry, user acquisition, and revenue growth.
Pitch Deck
Includes an overview of the problem, the solution, the business model, the market, the strategy, the team, the competitors, and the finances
Financial Plan
Revenue and expense projections, operational metrics, and monetization strategies
Marketing Strategy
Plan for market entry, user acquisition, and revenue growth
Developing a Demo Product
Developing an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a critical step in the process of attracting investment. This allows potential investors to see and evaluate the real potential of your startup. The demo product should clearly demonstrate the key features and benefits of your solution.
When creating a demo version, it is important to focus on the core functions that differentiate your product from competitors. This can be a working prototype or an interactive presentation that will allow investors to explore your product and understand its value.
Functionality
Demonstration of key product features
Interface
Presentation of the user interface
Technologies
Showcase of innovative technologies used
Scalability
Demonstration of the product's growth potential
Choosing Investment Platforms
Choosing suitable investment platforms is a key step in the process of raising capital. Among the most popular platforms for startups in the IT and AI sectors are AngelList, SeedInvest, StartEngine, Republic, and WeFunder.
Each of these platforms has its own features and advantages.
Here is a list of the top 30 investment platforms in the US that are focused on IT and AI startups:
When choosing a platform, it is important to consider the specifics of your startup, the target investor audience, and the placement conditions.
Some platforms are more suitable for attracting angel investments, while others are better for crowdfunding or venture capital.
The registration process on platforms
The registration process on investment platforms includes several key steps. It begins with creating an account and a company profile, where you need to upload all the necessary documents and submit an application for consideration.
Then there is the verification stage, during which the platform conducts a thorough check of the information provided, including legal documents, financial statements, and a technical assessment of the product.
After successful verification, you need to fill out all the required forms, upload presentations, business plans, and product video overviews. The final step is to agree on the terms with the platform, including commission fees and the structure of the investments.
1
Account creation
Registration of the company profile and document upload
2
Verification
Platform's review of the information and documents
3
Form filling
Upload of presentations, business plans, and videos
4
Terms agreement
Discussion of commissions and investment structure
Marketing Campaign
A successful marketing campaign plays a key role in attracting investors.
It includes creating targeted social media advertising, hosting PR events, and using email marketing. It's important to develop a strategy that effectively communicates the value of your startup to potential investors.
Additionally, it's necessary to launch and actively manage social media and blog pages that cover the startup's current news and achievements. This will help create a positive company image and maintain investor interest throughout the campaign.
Social Media
Targeted advertising and content marketing on social platforms
PR Events
Organizing and participating in industry events and conferences
Email Marketing
Developing and sending informative emails to potential investors
Engaging with Investors
Effective engagement with potential investors is a key factor for the success of an investment campaign. This includes organizing meetings, both online through platforms like Zoom, and in-person meetings.
It is important to prepare a clear and compelling presentation of your startup that addresses all possible questions from investors.
Additionally, active participation in pitches and events organized by investment platforms provides additional opportunities to establish contacts and draw attention to your project.
Be prepared to discuss your business model, financial projections, and development strategy in detail.
Invite your specialized consultants to the discussions, as they can help you develop the right negotiation strategy.
1
Preparation
Developing the presentation and key talking points
2
Online Meetings
Conducting video conferences with investors
3
In-person Meetings
Organizing face-to-face presentations
4
Pitch Sessions
Participating in events organized by investment platforms
Completion of the Campaign and Raising Investments
Completing the investment campaign is a critical stage that requires special attention.
It includes signing investment agreements and actually raising funds. It is important to carefully check all legal aspects of the deal and ensure that all the terms correspond to the preliminary agreements.
After closing the investment round on the platform and transferring the funds to the startup's account, the stage of implementing the raised investments begins.
It is extremely important to strictly follow the steps for business development promised to investors and ensure constant reporting, providing up-to-date financial and operational information.
Signing Agreements
Legal formalization of investment deals
Closing the Round
Completion of the campaign on the investment platform
Transfer of Funds
Receiving investments in the startup's account
Implementation of the Plan
Fulfillment of the promised steps for business development
Post-Campaign and Startup Growth
Team Development
Attracting new talents and experts, building a strong team for scaling.
Business Expansion
Using the raised funds to enter new markets, improve the product, and expand the team.
Project Monitoring
Regular reporting, working with investors, informing about achievements, and adjusting the development strategy.
Preparing for the Future
Planning for the next rounds of investment, considering the experience gained and recommendations from the first investors.
Contacts
This roadmap will help you effectively go through all the stages of preparation and registration on leading US investment platforms to attract capital and further growth.
Our team of international lawyers and investment consultants will help you organize your work on issues of entering the US angel and investor market according to the specified algorithm.
You can send your questions or proposals to the email: