Ragnar Sass - founder of Pipedrive (unicorn), LIFT99 & Salto (unicorns to be), and investor in 40+ startups, has put together 24 questions he considers when investing in startups.
Today, we are making them public, knowing they will help both startup founders & future angel investors.
“2 years ago i published a 16 questions, what I ask from myself before making an angel investment. In last 24 months - I have looked 4000+ startups & made 20+ investments. Indeed - I have learned A LOT working with amazing founders, who have inspired me heavily to update my list. So here are 24 questions - before I will say big FAT YES!”
Can I explain this business & why did I make the investment to my mom?
What positive impact will it have in the world & can it make the World a better place. Like IN REAL! Numbers, please.
Will they give back to the community & create a new environment for the future unicorn founders?
How useful & relevant is my personal experience & know-how for this startup?
Are they cool enough that I’d invite them to my own home for dinner?
Would I hire these folks to my own team?
Are they SO good I could imagine them as co-founders in my next startup?
Are they really self-confident & extremely positive?
Is any of the co-founders have what it takes to be the CEO of 400+ person company?
Does CEO LOVES to sell his product?
How proud & excited i would be as an investor (= team member ) of this startup?
Are they ready for BIG risks?
Why is the team so excited about the product?
Have they managed to turn me into its biggest fan?
How many folks in my network could be useful investors for this exact startup?
Can I make a list of at least 3 of my good friends whom I call so they should join the company ASAP?
What could I win & learn personally from this journey if the startup fails?
Can I imagine investing in the same founders if they start their next company?
Do they really care about company culture & PEOPLE?
Can they hire people who are much smarter & much much more experienced? Thanks to Merit Valdsalu
Can I explain to my wife why I have a call with a founder at 01.00 AM or during a romantic vacation? Thanks to Alexander Khuda
Would I trust them asking advice about the next investment opportunity? Thanks to Anna-Liisa Palatu
Will they survive a full pivot? Or the second one? Thanks to Johannes Tammekänd
Would this founder survive a 100 km boat marathon with me as a co-pilot? Thanks to Dan Mashiter
