Are you a SaaS entrepreneur with a vision to scale your startup to new heights? If so, you’re likely aware of the critical role that venture capital (VC) investment plays in fueling growth. The good news is that SaaStock Dublin 2023, is known to be the best SaaS conference to connect with potential investors.
Don’t take my word for it, Christoph Janz, MD at Point Nine Capital calls it:
“The best SaaS Conference in Europe. Period”.
Christoph will be at the conference and you can ask him when he’ll change this to best in the world.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to increase your chances of securing VC investment at this year’s event.
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities
At SaaStock Dublin 2023, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a constellation of SaaS stars, from seasoned industry veterans such as Amir Orad Exec Chair at Sisense who’s built two businesses north of $150M to emerging startup Founders such as Alex David, COO at Corrily.
Whether you’re looking for potential partners, investors, or simply seeking inspiration, SaaStock offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow founders, fellow investors and execs who are all at the event with an amazing entrepreneurial pay-it-forward spirit.. It’s basically 3 days of amazing founders paying it forward.
Getting the right people together is on us and once they are there you will find dedicated networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and expert-led workshops, pub crawls, parties, dinners all designed to foster meaningful connections that can propel you and your SaaS startups journey forward.
1. Prepare and Refine Your Pitch
Your pitch is your first and often most crucial opportunity to capture the attention of potential investors. Before the conference, take the time to craft a compelling pitch that highlights the unique value proposition of your SaaS product or solution. Address key points such as the problem you’re solving, your target market, traction, and your growth strategy.
Practice your pitch until it’s polished and concise – you want to make a memorable impression in a short amount of time. Give yourself a boost by entering the Global Pitch competition with a chance to win €200k and the title of best SaaS Startup 2023 which will elevate you in front of an audience of VCs. Apply to the pitch competition here before the application deadline closes.
2. Know Your Audience
You really need to take the time and research the VC firms and individual investors who will be attending SaaStock Dublin 2023. Understand their investment focus, portfolio companies, and track record. Tailor your pitch and approach to align with the interests and expertise of potential investors.
Personalizing your outreach demonstrates your commitment and increases the likelihood of capturing their interest. If you reach out to those that don’t invest at your stage, sector or region, its a waste of time. You’ll find out who is attending through the event app.
3. Leverage Networking Opportunities
SaaStock is renowned for its networking opportunities, and these interactions can be instrumental in securing VC investment.
Attend networking sessions, roundtables, and social events such as the pub crawls and opening part at NightStock to connect with potential investors. Be genuine, engage in meaningful conversations, and never immediately dive into your pitch. Building a rapport and establishing a connection can be just as important as the pitch itself. Ask for advice before going into any pitch.
4. Schedule Meetings in Advance
Many investors have packed schedules during SaaStock, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Use the conference’s networking platform powered by Brella or reach out via email or LinkedIn to request meetings with potential investors.
Be clear about your objectives for the meeting and how you believe their expertise and capital can benefit your company.
5. Demonstrate Traction and Growth Potential
Certainly, if you are Seed stage and above, Investors want to see evidence that your SaaS business is on an upward trajectory.
Showcase key metrics, such as user acquisition, revenue growth, customer retention, and any notable partnerships or achievements. Highlighting your ability to execute and your potential for scaling will make your pitch more compelling.
6. Be Open to Feedback
Don’t view investor meetings as one-way pitches. Be open to feedback and questions.
I hear this every year from founders attending, that one of the most valuable things they get from the event is feedback on their product and pitch deck. Investors may have valuable insights or concerns that, if addressed effectively, can strengthen your pitch, business strategy and product.
Demonstrating your ability to adapt and learn is a positive signal to potential investors. Use the conference wisely and get a year’s worth of feedback in 2 days.
7. Follow Up Promptly and Professionally
After your meetings and interactions, promptly follow up with potential investors to express your appreciation for their time.
Send any additional information they request and maintain open lines of communication. Building a relationship can be a gradual process, so staying in touch and providing updates on your progress is essential.
8. Attend Relevant Sessions and Workshops
In addition to investor meetings, make sure to attend sessions and workshops that focus on fundraising, scaling, and SaaS growth strategies.
These sessions can provide valuable insights and tactics to enhance your fundraising efforts.
9. Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Consider joining mentorship programs or seeking guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. They can provide valuable advice, introductions, and insights into the fundraising process.
SaaStock runs the SaaStock Founder Membership which is a support network of SaaS Founders scaling to $10M ARR. Knowing those that are a few steps ahead, can save you time and money.
Find out more about the SaaStock Founder Membership here.
10. Stay Persistent and Resilient
Securing VC investment can be a challenging process with many ups and downs. Stay persistent, adapt to feedback, and remain resilient in your pursuit of funding. Remember that many successful entrepreneurs faced rejection before finding the right investor match. I remember speaking with Jonathan Anguelov, Co-founder of Aircall who is speaking on the scale stage this year. Jonathan told me they had 100 No’s before getting their first yes at Seed stage I believe. Now Aircall is doing over $100M in revenue. The best founders have this level of resilience.
In conclusion, SaaStock Dublin 2023 is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with VCs to help extend your runway and chances of building the next Unicorn($1Bill valuation) or Centaur ($100M rev business). By preparing thoroughly, networking strategically, and showcasing your potential, you can increase your chances of securing the investment needed to fuel your growth. And by simply being at SaaStock amongst 600 SaaS VCs, your increasing your odds.
Good luck, and see you at SaaStock Dublin 2023! Get your ticket here before prices increase.
