<p>In this episode, I spoke to Matthew Cushen, Founding Partner at Worth Capital, to find out what it takes to get investment from a VC like his. Worth Capital is a non-typical VC, as they run a monthly competition with a very structured approach, so it was a great opportunity to understand how that differentiates them, and what impact that has on how they invest. We discussed everything from trends in investment, diversity, and how he finds investment opportunities to valuations, what causes an immediate ‘no’ and what makes a great pitch deck.</p>
<p>Mathew Cushen Bio</p>
<p>Matthew is Founding Partner of Worth Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on businesses with the potential to build loved B2C or B2B brands. Also an innovation consultant & adviser to the leadership teams of large global businesses such as IKEA, ABInbev & the Coca-Cola Group. Previously Director of ?WhatIf! (the global innovation consultancy, now part of Accenture), following senior operational roles in Woolworths and the John Lewis Partnership.</p>
<p>Julie Barber Bio</p>
<p>CEO of Spark! Consulting, a boutique business consultancy, Julie is also an author, Non-Exec Director, Mentor and Speaker. Julie’s background is working with large financial corporates such as KPMG and HSBC, and quasi-regulators like the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. At Spark! she now works with clients focused on growth, innovation and transformation, from early stage startups to global corporates. Julie developed The Investor Ready Roadmap, a 6-step methodology to ensure confidence and credibility when raising investment – this methodology forms the basis of her No.1 best-selling book, Investor Ready. Alongside Spark! Julie mentors business owners and founders through roles with FinTech Wales and Dent Global.</p>
<p>https://spark-consulting.co.uk/</p>
<p>https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieabarber/</p>
<p>Is your Startup Investor ready? Benchmark your credibility with Investors and uncover opportunities to strengthen your investment case. Take a free scorecard here: https://investorready.scoreapp.com/</p>
