Alexey Bashkirov, private investor and founder of the Donum charitable initiative, shares valuable insights on how early-stage startups can attract investors and earn their trust. In today’s competitive startup environment—especially in the tech world—securing funding is often key to long-term success. It’s not enough to have a great idea; founders need to know how to present it in a compelling, strategic way.
Why a Solid Business Plan Matters More Than You Think
One of the most common mistakes early-stage startups make is underestimating the importance of financial planning. Many founders struggle to make accurate forecasts for revenue and expenses, which can be a red flag for investors.
A strong business plan solves several problems at once:
- It sets realistic expectations: Startups often chase rapid growth by hiring too fast and scaling too soon. Investors prefer thoughtful, steady growth over flashy expansion with shaky foundations.
- It builds investor trust: A clear understanding of unit economics and projected cash flow shows that the team knows what they’re doing—even if the numbers are only rough estimates.
- It keeps the team focused: A business plan acts as an internal roadmap. It helps startups stay grounded, make data-driven decisions, and pivot quickly when needed.
According to Bashkirov, knowing when you’ll need more capital and identifying which products or channels aren’t performing is essential for long-term survival.
What Investors Look for in a Founding Team
A great idea alone won’t get you funded—the team behind the idea is often even more important. Bashkirov believes that a balanced team is one of the most attractive qualities a startup can have.
Ideally, a strong founding team brings together two key skill sets:
- The Visionary – Someone who can lead, inspire, and sell. This person handles investor relations, partnerships, customer engagement, and overall strategy.
- The Operator – Someone focused on execution. This person takes care of day-to-day operations, manages hiring, and ensures the product is delivered on time.
Startups often lean more heavily toward one skill set, but investors want to see both. Teams that combine vision and execution have a far better chance of success.
What Early-Stage Investors Really Care About
When a startup is still in its early days and doesn’t have much financial data, investors look at other signals to evaluate risk and potential.
Here’s what they focus on most:
- The founder’s track record: Previous entrepreneurial experience is a big plus. Founders who’ve launched, grown, or even failed with past ventures tend to navigate challenges better.
- Adaptability: Startups rarely go according to plan. The ability to pivot and learn from mistakes is a major asset.
- Market and tech insight: Investors want to see that the team understands not just today’s problems, but also where the market is headed. A clear, forward-thinking vision can be a deciding factor.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Vision with Execution
Launching a tech startup takes more than a clever product. It requires the right mindset, a clear roadmap, and a capable team. Investors like Alexey Bashkirov are looking for startups that combine ambition with practicality—companies that think big but also know how to execute.
In the end, the startups that succeed are those that can dream boldly, plan wisely, and adapt quickly.
