When it comes to raising capital, many founders think success lies in having a great product or pitch. But what if it’s more about who you are as a founder? How do your personality, energy, and approach impact an investor’s decision?

According to Kat Weaver, a seasoned entrepreneur and pitching expert, the key to attracting investment isn’t just about having a great product — it’s about being the right type of person for the investors. “Investors are betting on you as a founder, not just your business,” she explains. She goes on to highlight the importance of traits like coachability, transparency, passion, and grit. Kat emphasizes that investors are looking for founders who can adapt, pivot, and stay resilient through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Kat Weaver, CEO and Founder of Power to Pitch, about the complex world of investor psychology. They cover the psychological mistakes founders make when raising capital, why choosing the right investor is more important than the amount of money, and how understanding investor psychology can make or break a business.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [3:06] How Kat Weaver rebuilt her business from disaster and loss
• [7:42] Why venture capital should be your last fundraising option
• [10:45] What investors truly seek in founders beyond the product
• [13:05] The art of milestone-based fundraising for sustainable growth
• [16:32] How relatability and trust instantly boost founder investability
• [23:47] The secrets to aligning your personal story with your brand pitch
• [27:10] Why building investor relationships early is a founder superpower

About Kat Weaver:

Kat Weaver is the CEO and Founder of Power to Pitch, a platform that helps early-stage founders craft compelling pitches and raise capital with confidence. Under her leadership, Power to Pitch has helped secure over $55 million in grants and venture funding. Kat is also a successful exited entrepreneur, active angel investor, and has built a community of over 30,000 LinkedIn followers. Her experience launching and scaling the first company straight out of her college dorm room gives her firsthand empathy for the founder’s journey. 

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Duncan Alney on LinkedIn
• Firebelly Marketing
• Kat Weaver: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
• Power To Pitch

Quotable Moments:

• “Investors are betting on you as a founder, not just your business.”
• “It’s not about the amount of work you put in because things could still fail.”
• “Not all money is good money. Money is actually abundant, but it’s a matter of finding the right money.”
• “You’re allowed to make mistakes. You’re allowed to not have all the answers. Just make it right.”
• “If you want to go here, go pay for the answer to get there.”

Action Steps: 

1. Start building relationships with potential investors early: Cultivating connections before you need funding creates trust and opens doors for future opportunities.
2. Focus on milestones, not just funding goals: Setting clear, measurable objectives ensures you’re raising money for the right reasons and at the right time.
3. Prioritize strategic investors over flashy names: Choosing investors who align with your vision and values ensures long-term support and minimizes future conflicts.
4. Be coachable and transparent with investors: Demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt builds credibility and strengthens your partnership with potential investors.
5. Leverage non-equity funding options first: Exploring grants, pre-sales, and debt options reduces the risk of giving up too much equity too soon.