Flip the script: Questions founders need to ask investors.

Founders should ask investors questions the same way investors ask them. It’s the only way to get a feel of their culture, speed, blind spots, and set expectations right.

- What do you look for in a startup?
Do they tend to invest to founders with certain backgrounds, like SF or Stanford types? Do they prefer less risky, revenue-generating services?

- Are you the decision-maker?
If not, how does the process work? Do all partners need to reach consensus? This gives you a sense of the decision speed and the number of meetings ahead. Will you present to all partners? And if your contact is your “champion,” you’ll know if you need to equip them to pitch your deal internally.

- How many startups do you invest in per year?
If they’ve already invested in 1 and only have 2 slots, with 10 other deals on the table, your chances may be low. But if they invest in 10 a year and need 5 more in the next three months, that’s a very different scenario.

- When and what was your last investment?
This will help you understand their thesis and how frequently they invest.

- Do you follow up on your investments?

- Have you invested in other startups in our space?
Knowing this can tell you if they can introduce you to strategic partners or investors.

If you get a "no" without an honest explanation, go back to these answers—you’ll get the gist.