We recently had the privilege of running a series of workshops for members of the 2025 Meaningful Business 100, a group of leaders driving scalable, real-world solutions to global problems. Among other things, their membership to the programme includes opportunities to pitch investors.
Pitching investors is more than presenting a business idea – it’s about making a connection, sparking belief, and inspiring action. Whether speaking to impact investors or strategic partners, a founder’s ability to stand out and be heard can make all the difference. The following five tips outline how to do so.
1. Know your audience
Before you step into the room, invest time in understanding who you’re pitching to. Research their investment sectors, recent portfolio moves, and the values they prioritise. This isn’t just about selling your idea – it’s about demonstrating alignment with their vision and strategy. When you show that your solution fits their goals, and your commitments are rooted in what matters to them, you’re far more likely to resonate with them.
2. Communicate your value proposition
Start strong by defining the problem you’re solving. What’s broken, inefficient, or underserved in the market? Then introduce your solution, explain why it’s uniquely positioned to address that gap, and what your personal motivation is. Investors, especially those focused on impact, connect with people focused stories. When you reveal what inspired you to tackle this challenge, you build trust and add depth to your pitch.
3. Know your business inside out
Be ready to explain how your business makes money, what you’ve earned so far, and your projected growth. Where possible back this up with evidence of traction – customer numbers, partnerships, revenue, and other metrics that validate your approach. Don’t shy away from risks; acknowledge financial, technological, or geopolitical challenges and outline how you’ll turn them into opportunities. Having a reference sheet at hand shows preparedness and professionalism. Investors want to see that you’ve considered every challenge they – and the market you’re operating in – could throw at you.
4. Hit all the right notes
Through thorough planning and plenty of practice, ensure you cover the essentials: your value proposition, the size of the market opportunity, and the positive impact your solution will create. These elements are the foundation of a compelling narrative. Avoid overwhelming your audience with unnecessary detail – focus on what matters most. A well-structured pitch signals confidence and respect for their time, making it easier for them to say “yes.”
5. Show your personality
Numbers and strategy matter, but so does authenticity. You know your business better than anyone – let that assurance shine through. Share what inspired you and why this venture matters to you personally. Investors invest in people as much as ideas, and your passion can be the deciding factor. Speak with conviction but stay approachable. When your personality comes through, you transform a pitch from a transaction into a relationship. That’s where trust – and investment – begins.
If you’re a start-up or scale-up founder preparing to pitch investors and would like to chat about the support we can provide, please feel free to reach out to james.montague@forster.co.uk. You can also learn more about our services here.