How to attract investors: 10 proven strategies for successful fundraising from global investors

Lack of funding is one of the main reasons why startups fail.

Attracting investors is a crucial part of your business journey, and you need to secure capital before you can start expanding and scaling your venture.

In today's competitive business landscape, it's a good idea not just to look for local investors, but also investors from overseas, too. Many investors like to invest in different parts of the world, and there are lots of funding opportunities available, provided you know the right strategies for attracting them.

At Hub71, we provide support and mentorship for startups who are looking for investors, and connect them with local and international capital partners from within the Hub71 ecosystem.

From the importance of detailed research and creating a strong business plan, to why you need to network and build relationships, the below are some of the effective ways to attract investors to your business.

1. Define your value and positioning statement

Before you apply for funding, take some time to reflect on what makes your business stand out, and why it is superior and unique to your competitors. You need to be prepared to explain to investors the purpose of your business, the problem you are solving or the need you are meeting, and why your venture is worth investing in. When defining your positioning, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there a market need for your product or service? 

• Who will be your target audience? 

• Why should they buy your product or service? 

• Why will your business be a success? 


The strength of your business plan can influence whether a potential investor chooses to invest in your business, and so it's essential to get it right.

A good business plan should convey the objectives of your business, your deep understanding of your customers and their needs, and your own skill set and that of your team.

In addition, it should also include practical elements such as your sales strategies, projected earnings, and your staffing structure.

2. Perfect your pitch deck

The quality of your deck can make or break the success of your pitch, and strongly influence each investor's final decision.

Essentially a condensed version of your business plan, your pitch deck should be presented in pdf format, and concisely communicate the following:

• The problem you have identified, the solution you pose, your value proposition, and your business model
• Details about the founders or founding team
• Your competition, the market you are entering, the traction you have created, and any funds you have raised so far.
• What you will bring to Hub71 and Abu Dhabi

Aim to make it clear, compelling, and to the point. You want to get your potential investor excited and invested in your business, and not put them off with long blocks of text and irrelevant facts.

3. Research relevant investors

There's no benefit in approaching investors who are highly unlikely to be interested in the product and/or services that you provide.

Take the time to research the investors you're interested in, and check out their background and previous investments to ensure that they are a good match for you.

For instance, angel investors typically invest in early-stage local businesses, whereas venture capitalists look for more established firms.

4. Calculate your financial projections

Of course, perhaps one of the most important considerations for potential investors is how much money you will make, and when they will start to profit from their investment in you.Have your financial projections ready to show any investor (including a cash flow forecast, a profit and loss statement, and a balance sheet), and provide them with a clear and well-considered pathway that details how you will make your business profitable.

5. Demonstrate market potential

It's not enough to simply say that you think there is a big enough market for your business - you need to prove this with facts and figures.You can do your own market research by sending our surveys and questionnaires, employ a market research company to help you, or do some digging online to find existing national statistics that are relevant to your brand.It's crucial to show investors that you have researched your target audience carefully, and that you understand their wants and needs.

6. Network and build relationships

Some investors only back businesses that come through personal recommendations. So, do your best to get yourself out there, and build personal connections with other founders and business professionals who may one day put in a good word for you, or even introduce you to your future investor. Many accelerators and incubators host networking events that are specifically designed to unite founders with the investors who can help them bring their ideas to life. The Hub71 events page details our upcoming networking gatherings in Abu Dhabi, while many other organisations and angel investor networks hold regular networking events, too.

7. Explore global Angel investors

Angel investors have given some of the world's biggest brands the push they need to succeed. Google, Alibaba, PayPal, Airbnb, Uber and Kickstarter all started off with funding from angel investors, and you could be next to follow in their footsteps.Angels invest either as individuals, groups, or formal networks, and you can connect with them by attending angel conferences, or by simply contacting them over emailSome prominent international angel investor networks include the European Business Angel Network (EBAN), the USA Angel Investment Network, Angel Investors Network (AIN) and BANSEA.As mentioned above, we also recently launched our own Hub71 Angel Investor Support Package. Unveiled in December 2024, and specifically designed to help Hub71 startups cover setup and legal costs, and boost the growth of angel networks in Abu Dhabi, the initiative reflects our appreciation for the vital role that angel investors play in fueling the growth of early-stage startups.

At Hub71, we recently launched our own Angel Investor Support Package that provides Hub71 startups with financial incentives of up to AED 150,000.

8. Investigate global accelerators and incubators

International business incubators and accelerators offer many unique benefits for startups that are seeking funding.Although the words 'incubator' and 'accelerator' are often used interchangeably, they offer very different services. To put it simply, incubators are mainly focused on building the foundations of a business, while accelerators concentrate on scaling startups and expanding their growth.At Hub71, the benefits of our programs include in-kind and cash incentives, access to a network of influential global and regional partners, and the opportunity to enroll in a three-month guided track. Delivered by knowledgeable mentors, our programs help startups grow and thrive, and show them how to maximise Abu Dhabi's progressive regulatory environment, and world-class infrastructure.Of course, choosing the right program is essential for successfully growing your business or startup, and we always advise doing in depth research before reaching out to any incubator or accelerator.

9. Recruit a strong management team

Investors will want to see evidence that you have a passionate, determined and experienced management team behind your brand. This will give them confidence that you have the necessary skills and talents to make your business a success.If your team lacks some of the necessary skills and experience, it might be worth addressing this before you begin pitching to investors. You can either hire new employees, or recruit the assistance of external advisers and mentors that have a relevant background.

10. Promote the UAE

Some of the investors you pitch to may not be aware of Abu Dhabi's unique strengths and the many opportunities it offers businesses. Therefore, you should inform them of the size and potential of the Abu Dhabi market, and its commitment to innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Creating a positive image of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE can boost the confidence and interest of foreign investors, and help them understand the many advantages it offers. This could also include mentioning that Abu Dhabi was recently ranked the world's top city for sovereign wealth fund capital, and elements such as the emirate's world-class infrastructure, generous incentives, and cash benefits.

If you are looking to expand within the Middle East and secure global investments, why not explore the array of programs offered by Hub71?

To find out more, please visit the Contact Us page of our website.