I am looking to raise money for my industrial electronics startup. What are the must-read books for first-time fundraisers?
I don't know if I would suggest a book on "fundraising" because this is a situation in which personality, quality of team, execution and overall market potential play a determinant role in you getting funded.
I've read a lot of books! I mean really a lot!! Mainly because i enjoy it, but the books that have helped me most as entrepreneur aren't even entrepreneur guide books.
What you seem to need is a resource that can help you shape your mentality into the right approach to pitching. Check out my blog: unthinkeverything.blogspot.com there I have some books listed, among them is one I honestly love and currently rereading for my 4th time: Presentations Secrets of Steve Job. This book helped me secure half a million in my first try.
It did take me a few versions and a lot of time practicing and desiging my pitch but it worked. And that's what you need, results not generic motivators that are written to sell books but not give you tangible rules and tools.
I come from a not for profit background so most of the "fundraising" I do is somewhat different than what you are talking about. That being said I would recommend reading Jerold Panas's book "Asking." He is talking about charitable fundraising but the book is short and it touches upon key motivators which can be adapted to a business environment where you are really looking for investment. The big key is to get them talking. People who are being asked for money, think that they are pretty smart and so if you talk at them they will phase you out. If you go seeking advice you can draw them into the idea and they will want to be a part of the company.
