In 2022, 90% of Russian companies, according to GetInvestor, planned to intensify work with startupsA startup is a young, fast-growing company based on an innovative business idea and technology.. However, the ways of investing in startups are often not trivial and are complicated by insufficient development of the relevant infrastructure, as well as a lack of information. Ilya Merzlyakov, head of sales at AM Capital, told RB.RU how to start investing in fast-growing companies in Russia.
According to the expert, little by little everything is changing, and today the following options for investing in startups can be distinguished:
Business accelerators, incubators and technology parks they are specialized platforms that help you launch your business and find financing for it. Business accelerators are often launched by corporations, universities, or even governments, where a startup can raise the most funding and achieve recognition. Among the best-known accelerators in Russia, Merzlyakov named Skolkovo, the Moscow Innovation Cluster, SberUnity, etc.
Specialized financial platforms – these can be crowdfunding sites, startup exchanges, investment platforms and venture studios. The entry threshold there can vary and even be practically absent. Examples: City of Money, Nepartner, AM Capital, etc.
investor clubs – here the entry threshold is quite high and it’s not just about money, but the offers will be the best. Among the best-known investment clubs are Angelsdesk, Syndicate, Investment Networking Club, the expert noted.
risk fund – this method involves the transfer of responsibility for the capital, which will be managed by the experts of the fund. The entry threshold is extremely high. As an example, Ilya Merzlyakov cited Runa Capital, Kite Ventures, Almaz Capital.
After the novice investor decides how to invest in new companies, the expert recommends choosing a company to invest in. He is sure that it will not be easy to do it, since hundreds of projects can be found on the sites.
At the same time, almost everyone will either have a founder who knows how to sell his “brain” or a dedicated marketing department, Merzlyakov emphasizes. And eyes will open wide, and all ideas will look promising – this is a normal situation, the expert noted. Therefore, when choosing a startup to invest in, it is important to develop and meet the selection criteria. For example, you can focus on the following recommendations:
- Choose the industries you like and understand them: be it IT, eCommerce, Fintech, EdTech, AI or cryptocurrency;
- Analyze the industry selected for the problems and the solutions that are in demand for these problems;
- Study the market and select a few startups to compare. It is important to have a large sample;
- Analyze the ideas of specific startups and the solutions they offer. Sometimes a marketing mannequin is hidden behind beautiful packaging;
- Study, or better yet, meet the startup team. Relevant experience is important;
- Learn the business model of a startup. Special attention should be paid to the sources of income that the team has.
Ilya Merzlyakov also recommended not to rush into the choice. He stressed that investments in start-ups are profitable but high-risk ventures, and this should not be forgotten.
Author:
karina pardaeva
Source: RB
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
