As entrepreneurs, we frequently think about how to prepare for an interview with an investor such as getting our business plan prepared, making sure financial documents are in order, and preparing the most important elements of our pitch deck. The process of interviewing an investor is a two-way interaction. The questions you ask an investor can provide you with a good idea of their approach and expectations when working with startups.

Standard Questions for Investors

Investors want to know how well you know the fundamentals of your business model and what you see as your company’s market opportunities. Investors also want to know how you intend to grow, which metrics are most important to you and how next you plan to generate value from the investment. The answers you provide to these questions will provide a foundation for further discussion later during the interview.

Questions about Processes and Firms

Doing your research about the investors and their investment practices before you meet with them is crucial. You can tailor your approach so that it meets their needs, and increase the chances that they will be willing to invest in your startup. Knowing what investors want in terms of return and the typical timelines for deals can help you align with their objectives. You can also gain a better understanding of the founders’ approach by learning how they’ve dealt with turbulence within their portfolio companies.