10 Tips to Win Over Investors, with Nikin Shah and Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill

Pitching to investors isn’t just about having the next billion-dollar idea. It’s about energy, authenticity, preparation—and knowing your numbers.

Today's episode of Deal Closers comes to you from recorded live at CED’s Venture Connect, where host Jason Gillikin sits down with two seasoned investors:

• Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill, Principal at Idea Fund Partners
• Nikin Shah, General Partner at Front Porch Ventures

Together, they share exactly what makes founders stand out in a pitch meeting—and what makes investors quickly say no. If you’re gearing up to raise capital or sell your company, this is essential listening.

You’ll learn:

• Why VC money is like rocket fuel—and how it can blow up your business if you’re not ready
• How much energy is too much energy in a pitch
• Why authenticity and self-awareness beat hype every time
• What to say when you don’t know the answer
• How to prep for questions about your numbers, your tech, and your team
• The importance of targeting the right investors—and how to make it easy for them to help you

Timestamps:

• 00:00:03 – What VC dollars really mean for your company
• 00:01:15 – First impressions and the importance of energy
• 00:04:00 – Why excitement looks different for every founder
• 00:07:51 – Know enough about every part of your business
• 00:11:00 – Investors expect you to know your numbers
• 00:13:56 – Is your market size actually realistic?
• 00:17:09 – What problem are you solving, and why you?
• 00:22:31 – Walk in saying, “I’m the company you’re looking for”

Connect with the Guests:

• Nikin Shah – Front Porch Ventures
• Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill, Idea Fund Partners

Deal Closers is brought to you by WebsiteClosers.com and produced by Walk West.

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