People often ask me how I raised $1 million to make our movie, Show Her the Money. I mean, after all, I was asking people to fund a movie about how hard it is to raise money. I mentioned that in our Show Her the Money book, as to how ironic that was!
The truth is, I had fun fundraising the money because I met 30+ of the most amazing women and men while doing so. They saw the vision of how important our movie was to put into reality in order to raise awareness and create change.
And yes, I did say 30+ people- you didn’t need to go out and meet a lot of people to raise money. And for every hundred you meet, you may find just a few to invest. But it’s important that you enjoy the journey of getting to know incredible people, whether they invest or not.
However, the secret sauce is in meeting like-minded people who have the same belief that you hold about your vision for your movie. They invest in the person creating the movie or business, and also in the idea that they feel as strongly about as you do.
So, how do you go about meeting these potential investors? There are many angel groups around the country in every city. These are people who want to invest in things and people they believe in.
They also happen to be some of the most brilliant people on the planet. So it’s exciting to go out and meet them- and in turn, for them to meet you and get excited about your endeavor. Look at it as a win-win.
You can search up Angel groups and look into the Angel Capital Association. You can also look at entrepreneur and investor groups for the conferences and summits they provide. And resources like Pitchbook.com
And I always say, you have to remember when you’re asking for funding-you are not asking for yourself -you are asking for that download you got that I call your purpose on the planet. And if you frame it up that way inside your mind-you will be fearless about asking for the funding to manifest your vision.
The other interesting and helpful information is that once you meet one investor who aligns with you, they typically have a circle that will follow suit.
Like-minded people tend to spend time with other people similar to themselves.
The number one piece of advice is to get out and meet people. Go to Angel group events, conferences with investors and family offices, and Venture Capital Summits, where there are pitch competitions and opportunities to connect with other accomplished people who also want to make a difference.
Investing should be a win-win situation wherein both parties are happy with the opportunity.
Now go out and have fun meeting other amazing people by super connecting with like-minded accomplished people in the cities you are in!
Catherine Gray
Executive Producer, Show Her the Money
Founder, She Angel Investors
Podcast Host, Invest In Her
Co-Founder, She Angels Foundation
Watch my Ted talk here!
https://youtu.be/Ms-tROEeLn4