This month, I felt pulled to talk about great investors. For a founder, finding the right investor at the right time often makes or breaks their company, so it is not something to take lightly. There are some pretty crappy investors out there, but I’ve been lucky enough to encounter many great ones as well. Cassidy Petit was one of the great ones. She had many, many qualities that made her a great investor, but today I’ll share my top 5. Investors with these 5 qualities will not only write you a check, but do everything in their power to help you win. They’re not just in it for a good return, they’re in it for much more. CP, this one’s for you.

#5 – Curious – The best investors are some of the most inquisitive people I know. They ask great questions, and they love to dive deep into the unknown. Pitching to a curious investor doesn’t feel like a pitch at all…it feels like a casual, but impossibly energetic conversation.

#4 – Emotionally intelligent – Great investors know that most entrepreneurs have it all on the line. They understand how much blood, sweat, and tears they’ve put into their venture. And they know that for the founder, this is much, much more than a business.

#3 – Trusted – A great investor takes time to earn trust with the founders they work with. They understand that trust is not guaranteed. They want the best for the entrepreneur, and will help them get it. They are kind, but extremely blunt. They don’t waste the entrepreneur’s time.

#2 – Confident – They know who they are and what they’re looking for. They are self-assured without being arrogant. It’s a delicate dance, but they’ve mastered it.

#1 – Collaborative – They are a team player. They know that investing in a company means that they are in it to win it. They open doors for the founders they work with, and approach networking and relationship-building selflessly.

So there ya go, my top 5 qualities of a great investor. I hope this post will remind you that as a founder, you have choices. Look for people with deep experience and familiarity with startup challenges, and proven track records on making returns. But remember, if it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Fundraising is an exhausting and often demoralizing experience, but I promise you, it’s worth it to keep going until you find the right fit. Your future self will thank you.

Love,

Sam

P.s. I’d encourage you to check out CP’s Fund, honoring the legacy of a great investor.