In our upcoming VC meeting, both myself (CEO) and my partner (CTO) are attending. I would like to know:
1. Which one of us should start the talk?
2. What aspects of the business should each of us talk about?
3. Who should answer to the questions? Does the VC usually address one of us specifically or he may throw a question and expect an answer from either one?
In a VC meeting, it’s important for the CEO and CTO to present a united front and clearly delineate their roles to effectively convey the strengths of the business. Here’s a breakdown of how you can approach the meeting:
### 1. Who Should Start the Talk?
- **CEO**: The CEO should start the conversation. As the primary leader and spokesperson of the company, the CEO sets the tone, introduces the company, outlines the agenda, and provides a high-level overview of the business.
### 2. What Aspects Should Each of You Talk About?
- **CEO**:
- **Vision and Mission**: Articulate the overall vision, mission, and long-term goals of the company.
- **Business Model**: Explain how the business makes money, the market opportunity, target customers, and competitive landscape.
- **Traction and Metrics**: Highlight key metrics, user growth, revenue, ARPU, and other important milestones.
- **Financials**: Discuss current financials, fundraising goals, and how the funds will be used to achieve growth.
- **CTO**:
- **Technology and Product**: Provide an in-depth overview of the technology stack, product features, and development roadmap.
- **Innovation and IP**: Discuss any unique technology, intellectual property, or innovative aspects of the product that differentiate it from competitors.
- **Technical Challenges and Solutions**: Address how the team plans to overcome technical challenges and the feasibility of scaling the product.
### 3. Who Should Answer Questions?
- **Questions Directed to Both**: If a question is not specifically directed to one of you, the CEO should initially respond and then pass it to the CTO if it’s technical or product-related.
- **CEO**:
- Questions about the business model, market strategy, financials, fundraising, and overall vision.
- **CTO**:
- Questions about the technology, product features, technical challenges, development roadmap, and innovation.
### Additional Tips
- **Preparation**: Before the meeting, anticipate potential questions and decide who will answer which type of question.
- **Coordination**: Coordinate your responses to avoid overlap and ensure a smooth transition between speakers.
- **Body Language**: Maintain positive body language and show alignment between the CEO and CTO. This demonstrates a cohesive leadership team.
- **Practice**: Conduct mock presentations and Q&A sessions to ensure both of you are comfortable and prepared.
By clearly defining roles and preparing thoroughly, you can effectively communicate your startup’s strengths and create a positive impression on potential investors.
