In this SaaS Buyers' Club Episode 46, your host, Software as a Service (SaaS) mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyer Omeed Tabiei from Optimist Legal interviews Katie Dunn, angel investor, board director, finance and due diligence expert, and Partner at Power to Pitch. 

Katie reveals her journey from finance to startups, emphasizing the art of underestimating and the importance of understanding what investors need to hear. 

Her transition during the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent deep dive into startups during COVID showcase her commitment to learning and investing wisely. 

Katie discusses the common pitfalls founders face, such as overusing buzzwords and failing to convey their uniqueness clearly. 

The importance of being specific, cutting unnecessary adjectives, and building confidence in one's pitch is highlighted. 

Katie provides a structured approach to investor meetings and emphasizes the need for clarity and precision. 

We explore the role of grants in early-stage funding, how they build credibility, and offer visibility. 

Katie shares tips on finding grants, following application guidelines closely, and leveraging grant opportunities for growth. 

The conversation also delves into the current venture capital landscape, where fewer early-stage deals are happening, and the importance of strategic and aligned investment. 

For early-stage founders considering fundraising, Katie advises understanding your business model, exit strategy, and building traction before seeking investment. 

Don’t miss Katie’s expert advice on navigating the investment process, building investor trust, and strategically raising capital to ensure your startup's success. 

Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your approach to startup funding. #SaaS #Startups #Investments #Fundraising #Grants

00:00 Introduction to SaaS Buyers' Club
01:00 Meet Katie Dunn: Angel Investor and Power to Pitch Co-Founder
01:50 Katie's Journey: From Real Estate to Startups
04:05 Power to Pitch: Helping Founders Succeed
04:22 Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Tips and Tricks
08:58 The Importance of Clear Communication
12:36 Navigating Investor Meetings
17:02 Handling Investor Delays and Red Flags
19:56 When to Apply Pressure in Fundraising
21:02 Closing the Round: Strategies and Confidence
22:17 Impact of Investor Contributions
23:14 Navigating Investor Relationships
24:07 Building Trust with Investors
25:34 Strategies for Early-Stage Founders
26:11 The Importance of Grants
28:58 Finding and Winning Grants
36:37 Strategic Fundraising for Startups
41:13 Current Trends in Venture Capital
44:25 Concluding Thoughts and Resources 

Follow the Guest: Katie Dunn

► https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie--dunn/

► https://www.PowerToPitch.com

Follow the Host: Omeed Tabiei 

► https://www.linkedin.com/in/Omeed-Tabiei

► https://www.facebook.com/omeedt

►https://www.instagram.com/saasbizlawyer

How to reach Optimist Legal about your SaaS M&A transaction to explore working with us

► https://www.optimistlegal.com

►Omeed@OptimistLegal.com

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

About Optimist Legal:

Optimist Legal is a SaaS corporate and business focused law firm with extensive experience in M&A. When you work with Optimist Legal for your next SaaS M&A transaction, you can rest assured that you're working with diligent experts that are going to get you the best deal possible.