Comments on: Branding's Impact on Raising Capital

By: Mehmet Subasi

Mehmet Subasi — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:41:33 +0000

The idea is right but the implementation strategy is not correct. The topic “Branding’s Impact on Raising Capital” is very important. The 9 tips are not the right list. Hopefully, I’ll find some time to write the right list in my blog.

By: Ronen Hirsch

Ronen Hirsch — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:01:18 +0000

I Often get the feeling that hi-tech entrepreneurs talk about impressing. I personally subscribe to a more straightforward approach – do what st best as you see it. The rest will follow!

In branding this can be the difference between:

1. creating a brand that you think will work for what you perceive to be your market, investors… what not (if all goes well.., your understanding of these external forces will change and evolve many times over the tenure of your startup!)

2. creating a brand that reflects the product/service/business you really believe in. A good brand, I feel, is one that really reflects the vision/values/motivations behind your business – and these are the things it should focus on. It’s so great not having to explain yourself – this is where a brand can really come in handy – people “just know” exactly what you are… effortlessly!

who cares how much space your letterhead will take? It will take up as much as it needs to… for this you need to truly trust both your vision for the startup and the branding process.

It is only natural that when you have a good brand – it will reflect on everything – anyone who comes in contact with it is will immediately experience your vision – those that will connect are relevant to your business, so that don’t – maybe are less relevant.

Ironically – if you have a good brand – the response you get for it from a potential investor can tell you something about how well suited he is for you!

If you fake it – then it is fake! If you make the effort to really do it then it is inspiring! The people you want to reach know the difference in a split second!

By: Christopher

Christopher — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:22:38 +0000

I can see both sides here. However, I tend to think though that it would be wise to have some professionalism to your company before pitching a VC.

First impressions are everything and if you are able to put together a whiz-bang brand/logo for not a lot of money, I think that it will be helpful in making a good first impression, and probably worth every penny. It also will help to convey to VCs that you are able to get a lot of results for not a lot of money.

By: Aaron Mann

Aaron Mann — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:06:42 +0000

I have to agree with Alan. Many of these are not only the wrong place to spend money but they are the wrong place to spend valuable focus. Many of the points seem more appropriate to general small business as opposed to a tech startup. To hit just two:

Phone – you don’t need anything more than a direct line (can be your mobile) until you launch and need to talk to clients/customers. Then use a virtual pbx system for $50 a month or less (OneBox, etc.)

Professional printing – When is the last time you actually mailed anything anyway? And especially in early days your messaging changes so frequently that professional printing is a waste of money. Save it to PDF, compress it and send away!

Pre-launch you’ll need branding nailed down, but the VC is going to fund the quality idea not the quality look. Post-launch they are funding your traction.

By: Alan Wilensky

Alan Wilensky — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:06:35 +0000

These are the exact inverse of the many articles on lean startups by others that say:

Dont spend money on letterhead, logos, phone systems, etc. The VC’s will respect you for saving cake and putting towards code and rollout.