Capital raising is one of the most critical — and most challenging — aspects of launching or scaling a business. Yet, far too often I see promising entrepreneurs fall short of securing seed or Series A funding not because of a poor idea, but because of missteps that are entirely avoidable.
Over the past two decades, I’ve raised more than $100 million for early-stage ventures. I’ve seen what works and what fails — and I can tell you, most failures come down to a few key things.
1. Your Investor Deck Isn’t Investor-Ready
Let’s start with the obvious: your investor deck or Information Memorandum. This is your golden ticket — the tool that gets you in the room with serious investors. And too often, it simply doesn’t cut it.
I’ve reviewed hundreds of pitch decks over the years and I continue to be amazed by how often they’re missing the basics:
- A clear articulation of the problem you’re solving
- Go-to-market strategy
- Use of funds breakdown
- Strong team bios and details of the advisory board
- Realistic and evidence-based financial forecasts
Instead, many decks are filled with vague promises, blue-sky financials (e.g. “$20M in revenue in 6 months”), or templated fluff that does nothing to instil confidence. Australian media has recently echoed similar concerns. The Australian Financial Review noted that “startups are facing tougher scrutiny from investors, with only the best-prepared founders cutting through the noise.”
Templates won’t get you there. You need a tailored, strategic, and story-driven document crafted with expert input. It’s an investment — but it’s the most important one you’ll make in the fundraising process.
2. You’re Not Investor Ready
Even with the perfect deck, the real test is you. Investors back founders, not just ideas.
The best pitch decks open the door — but once you’re in the room, you need to be prepared to:
- Communicate your vision clearly and confidently
- Handle tough questions with ease
- Build trust and excitement
- Deliver a clear, compelling call to action
Too often, founders “wing it” — they rely on hustle over preparation. But as SmartCompany recently reported, “Investors are turning away from flashy pitches in favour of founders who show discipline, humility, and a readiness to execute.”
You must practice your pitch until it’s bulletproof. Rehearse with mentors, colleagues, even friends. Take feedback seriously. Because at the end of the day, it’s you an investor is backing. You’re the one carrying the vision forward.
3. You’re Approaching the Market in the Wrong Order
Timing and sequencing matter more than you think. One of the biggest mistakes I see is founders pitching to top-tier investors too early.
Family offices, HNW individuals, and institutional funds do not like to go first. They want to see validation. Momentum. Other smart money already committed. If you go too early, you often burn the opportunity permanently.
Instead, consider starting with:
- Strategic angel investors
- Advisor-led syndicates
- Industry insiders who understand your market
- Early-stage VCs with a track record of leading rounds
Build investor momentum and demonstrate real traction before going upstream. As The Sydney Morning Herald reported, “First-time founders need to understand that investors want a warm room — not a cold one. Getting the order wrong can cost you the round.”
How Tiger Boards Can Help
At Tiger Boards, we don’t just connect businesses to capital — we connect them to the right capital.
We’ve helped early-stage ventures raise millions by refining their decks, improving their pitches, and creating smart capital raising strategies. I’m also an angel investor and, through our family office, actively invest in high-potential ventures.
If your capital raise has stalled, or you’re about to go to market and want to avoid the common pitfalls — get in touch. Let’s review what you’ve done, fix what’s not working, and get you connected with the right investors at the right time.
📩 Message me directly or visit tigerboards.com.au to learn more.
Let’s turn your capital raise around — and get you funded.
