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Startup investing: how to go from 0 to 4 deals a day?

Investing in start-ups can be very complicated; when you don't come from a tech background and don't have a network, you might think it's impossible. But that's not true. I'm sharing my "secret sauce" with you.

To optimize your investment, here are the 4 rules I applied to start generating my own deal flow:

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Rule #1: Be everywhere, all the time‍

I identified the main places where Business Angels (BAs) and founders hang out (incubators, accelerators, alumni entrepreneur networks, juries, start-up studios, etc.) and I tried to provide them with value.

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Rule #2: Learn from the best

I joined BA groups that already had the deal flow and the expertise to invest. I also signed up for crowdfunding platforms in France and, most importantly, AngelList in the US to get a global perspective on current trends.

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Rule #3: Communicate and let people know you invest in start-ups

I told my entire network that I was starting out as a BA. Every time I met a founder, I let them know I was a BA and asked for recommendations for great companies raising funds and for BAs they knew well. The best deals are often "off-market" and come from successful founders that everyone wants to have on their cap table. It might seem basic, but since I updated my LinkedIn profile to include the companies I've invested in, many BAs and founders have been reaching out to me.

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Rule #4: Spend time listening to founders and helping them

This is the most important rule in my opinion. Why? Because it was essential to be as close as possible to my target audience to understand them, speak their language, provide value on topics they weren't experts in, and be useful to establish my legitimacy as a future BA. "Give before you receive"—the rule applies in every sector.

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As a result, today I get high-quality deal flow shared with me, and I'm consulted for my opinion on projects currently raising funds (both by BAs and entrepreneurs). 

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At Super Capital, we send pre-selected deals directly to our community of Business Angels! Don't hesitate to contact uscontact us. (:

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