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How would you force-rank (1 being highest to 8 being lowest), in terms of value to your startup, the following 8 services provided by an investor:

  • Warm introductions to potential customers
  • Warm introductions to potential strategic partners
  • Access to great candidates for key positions you are recruiting for
  • Sounding board in discussions about strategy
  • Access to a network of entrepreneurs at sister portfolio companies
  • Support in managing PR and communications
  • Support in managing future financings (equity and venture debt)
  • Support in achieving a great exit
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2 Answers

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  1. Access to great candidates for key positions you are recruiting for
  2. Support in achieving a great exit
  3. Support in managing future financings (equity and venture debt)
  4. Warm introductions to potential strategic partners
  5. Support in managing PR and communications
  6. Sounding board in discussions about strategy
  7. Warm introductions to potential customers
  8. Access to a network of entrepreneurs at sister portfolio companies
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I can't imagine not putting a higher priority on customers. – JeffO Feb 24 '11 at 17:16
It depends on your company... – user8051 Feb 24 '11 at 21:15
up vote 1 down vote
  1. Warm introductions to potential customers
  2. Sounding board in discussions about strategy
  3. Support in achieving a great exit
  4. Warm introductions to potential strategic partners
  5. Support in managing future financing (equity and venture debt)
  6. Access to a network of entrepreneurs at sister portfolio companies
  7. Support in managing PR and communications
  8. Access to great candidates for key positions you are recruiting for
share|improve this answer
Surprising that you would put help in recruiting last. – zippy Feb 24 '11 at 17:58
It depends on the position, but except for the management team, I don't see investors getting involved at that level. It was a debate between 7 and 8 which would get which position. – Elie Feb 24 '11 at 19:09

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