Asking VCs questions, ideally challenging ones, shows that you interact on eye level and are validating them too, which makes founders look confident and creates healthy FOMO. The strongest question: towards the end of the second or third conversation, ask what the VC’s main concerns about your case are and where their conviction still needs to grow.
To elevate your perception by investors and create healthy FOMO, you need to interact with investors on eye level.
And “on eye level” means that as they validate you, you’re also validating if they are the right fit for you.
One of the best methods to subconsciously convey that you’re interacting at eye level is asking VCs questions. Ideally, also some challenging ones!
I’m surprised that only very few founders I speak to are asking me questions. And only a handful are asking challenging questions.
But the moment they do the latter, it directly makes them perceived as confident, strong founders.
Do you know what’s even as wonderful? The investors will actually answer you, and you’ll get some insightful information :)
There are many things you can ask. You can ask about the fund’s strategy, what usually happens after the investment, and how they support their portfolio companies.
But again – the best questions challenge the investors. Why should you be the only one being challenged? You can ask for concrete examples proving how they helped their portfolio companies – also in difficult times. I’m sure you’ll find more when you brainstorm quickly.
But there is one question… one question… that is my favorite. A real joker. A killer. Are you ready for it?
Ask the VC towards the end of your second or third conversation (not the first intro call!) what their main concerns about your case are; ask them around which areas their conviction still needs to be stronger.
It’s a magical question. It will immediately boost your status and reveal valuable information because most VCs will just let you know their biggest concerns! :)
A founder asked me this question two weeks ago. It led to exactly what I just described. He is a rare one.
Here is more good news: This question doesn’t only work for fundraising but also sales conversations, negotiations, and many other situations. Leverage it.
Frequently asked questions
Why should founders ask VCs questions?
Asking questions subconsciously conveys that you interact on eye level and are validating whether the investor is the right fit for you. Challenging questions make founders look confident and strong, and the answers give useful information.
What questions can founders ask VCs?
About the fund’s strategy, what usually happens after the investment and how they support portfolio companies. Better still, ask for concrete examples of how they helped portfolio companies, also in difficult times.
What is the best question to ask a VC?
Towards the end of the second or third conversation, not the first intro call, ask what their main concerns about your case are and in which areas their conviction still needs to be stronger. Most VCs will simply tell you.
Does this question work outside fundraising?
Yes. It also works in sales conversations, negotiations and many other situations.
