Investors can be an invaluable part of your team or drive you to despair— and maybe out of business. Being able to identify and attract the “right” type of money requires understanding sources and types of capital, and values and goals different investors work towards.

The numbers that shape your business model and will convince anyone that your company will be a great investment are straightforward. Using simple math and a few spreadsheets you will discover and define the most essential numbers investors want to dig deep on:

• Cost of Customer Acquisition
• Cost of Goods Sold
• Projecting Cash Flows
• Margins

It may surprise you to hear this but, you are not the only hero of your startups’ story! At least, not if you want to raise money from investors, peer lenders, or other types of backers. Anyone helping you grow your creative business wants to be a hero, too. And that’s a good thing— we all need an Obi-wan Kanobi or fellow fighters in the Rebellion.

You now have insight into investors’ priorities, a handle on the necessary numbers, and are shaping a knock-out pitch. It's time to put it all into action. Establish your goals, timeline, team roles, and draft a target list of potential investors.