What Investors Look For When Evaluating Your Pitch: Abed BibiAn entrepreneur should be passionate, optimistic, and hopeful for the future, however, an entrepreneur should also be realistic.

ByAbed Bibi

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

When evaluating any investment there are many things to look for, but I can divide them into the following categories:

1. Investors are more likely to invest in people rather than just ideas.

The dream team: look at the entire management orleadershipteam. I need to see a team that has a proven track record of delivering goals on time and that can handle all of the responsibilities that come with a startup.

2. Business Plan.

Although the model might change instartupsduring the making, make sure that startup has a clear and completed business plan. What's the problem that's been solved? What's the business model? What's the market like? Who are the competitors? What advantages are there over the competition? How will the investor make money?

3. Valuation.

If thevaluationis outrageous, then this is a sign an entrepreneur has overvalued his or her startup.

4. Know the risk involved.

An entrepreneur should be passionate, optimistic, and hopeful for the future, however, an entrepreneur should also be realistic. They should understand that there's a major risk involved for both you and them.

5. Integrity.

Invest in entrepreneurs who are thrifty, resilient, determined, and passionate. In other words, the entrepreneur should be able to not only lead the team, set goals, and manage a budget, but also rise to the occasion when times get tough.

Wavy Line
Abed Bibi

Co-founder yougotagift.com, Partner at HoneyBee Tech Ventures

Abed Bibi has over 20+ years of experience in the GCC. While a resident of the UAE, he has been working across this region and is influential in persuading stakeholders. He was one of the founding partners of Wolff Olins in the UAE and India, a major international branding consultancy. He co-founded HoneyBee Tech Ventures after selling Wolff Olins shares to Omnicom group. He's an expert in the marketing and branding industry in the Gulf and Levant. He spent many years at MBC Group as General Manager of the commercial company Arab Media Services. Prior to that, he was the co-founder of Future TV, and Regional Director of the largest Media House - Al Khaleejiah Media - which is part of the publishing house and distribution, Saudi Research and Publishing Company.

Related Topics

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

Growth Strategies

With A Goal To Fully Decarbonize The Last-Mile Industry, UAE-Based One Moto Secures US$40 Million In Lease Financing

With a goal to fully decarbonize the last-mile industry, the startup aims to introduce 50,000 electric delivery vehicles in the UAE by 2025.

Thought Leaders

I Pitched 300 People a Day For 1 Year — and Learned This Impactful Entrepreneurial Lesson

After working myself to the bone pitching 300 people each day for one year, I came out of that experience as a new man — but surprisingly, an unhappier one. Here's what I learned.

Money & Finance

How to Make Money Online: 10 Proven Ways to Make Money Online

Need to know how to make money online as a side gig or new career? Check out this breakdown of the 10 top online money-making methods.

Starting a Business

10 Common Obstacles to Avoid When Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common obstacles to avoid when starting a new business.

领导

Emirati Women's Day 2022: Meet 10 Female Trailblazers From The UAE Who Are Championing Innovation And Entrepreneurship In The Country

The UAE was ranked number one across Arab nations in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2022.