EP 234: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know Before Pitching Investors

Lazy Entrepreneur Podcast

Lazy Entrepreneur Podcast
EP 234: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know Before Pitching Investors
Feb 09, 2026
Kristy Yoder

Send a text

In this episode of The Lazy Entrepreneur Podcast, Kristy sits down with Scott Kelly, founder of Black Dog Venture Partners, to unpack the realities of raising capital, pitching to investors, and building a business that’s actually ready for an exit.

Scott shares his journey from working on the stock exchange to founding and exiting multiple companies—and why one of his biggest early lessons was learning too late that he hadn’t built his first business to sell. From there, the conversation dives deep into how entrepreneurs should think about the end goal of their business from the very beginning.

They discuss:

  • The difference between bootstrapping vs. raising investor capital
  • Why no investor is better than a bad investor
  • What investors really look for during due diligence
  • How to prepare a strong pitch deck and investor funnel
  • Why founders should start building investor relationships six months before they raise money
  • How often to communicate with investors after funding
  • Why perfection can slow progress—and how to let the market guide your decisions

Scott also explains the mindset of investors, especially venture capital firms, and why entrepreneurs must understand the risk, responsibility, and expectations that come with taking other people’s money.

The episode wraps with powerful reflections on failure, humility, and confidence—making this a must-listen for business owners who want to grow wisely, protect their freedom, and make smart long-term decisions.

🔗 Learn more about Scott and his work:

  • blackdogventurepartners.com
  • vcfastpitch.com
  • Social media: @BlackDogCEO

Support the show

Overwhelmed and exhausted? Take the Overwhelm Assessment to find out if it's time for you to hire a virtual assistant to free up your time, reduce your stress, and help you focus on growing your business.

Be part of our Facebook community page for entrepreneurs who want to become a master delegator.

Episode Artwork EP 234: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know Before Pitching Investors 37:49 Episode Artwork Ep 233: How to Actually Get Leads From a Networking Event (Without Feeling Salesy) 42:03 Episode Artwork Ep 232: Why Community Is the Future of Online Business (And How to Build One That Actually Converts) 41:30 Episode Artwork Ep 231: What Not to Delegate in 2026 16:09 Episode Artwork Ep 230: How to Build Real Relationships on LinkedIn (and Get Clients Without Sounding Salesy) With Bryce York 28:49 Episode Artwork Ep 229: How to Build a Business That Works Around Your Life With Holly Haynes 35:57 Episode Artwork Ep 228: The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: Lessons on Integrity, Empathy, and Humor from Jim Carlough 39:19 Episode Artwork Ep 227: Google Ads vs SEO: How to Choose the Right Marketing Strategy for Your Business 31:18 Episode Artwork Ep 226: Raising Four Kids Alone and a Business: Megan’s Journey to Financial Freedom 34:36 Episode Artwork Ep 225: The Courage to Start Again: Turning Failure into a Purpose-Driven Brand 32:17 Episode Artwork Ep 224: Lazy but Smart: How Kira Shishkin Creates Freedom Through Systems 51:10 Episode Artwork Ep 223: Why Every Leader Must Be AI-Literate With Randi-Sue Deckard 42:42 Episode Artwork Ep 222: Your Way Back to Happy: Healing Trauma and Choosing Happiness as an Entrepreneur With Janelle Bruland 50:08 Episode Artwork Ep 221: The Science-Backed Guide to Overcoming Procrastination for Entrepreneurs With Robin Emdon 1:06:10 Episode Artwork Ep 220: $10 Task or $10,000 Vision? How to Stop Doing Cheap Work 14:23 Episode Artwork Ep 219: Running Two Startups Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Family Time) with Brian Lee 38:11 Episode Artwork Ep 218: Why Your Business Can’t Scale If You’re Still Approving Every Social Media Post 11:31 Episode Artwork Ep 217: I Fired Myself (And You Should Too) 12:54 Episode Artwork Ep 216: Making Bold Decisions in Business to Create a Freedom-Filled Life With Tracie Root 56:43 Episode Artwork Ep 215: CEO vs. Business Operator: What’s the Difference? 12:14 Episode Artwork Ep 214: From Toxic Productivity to True Freedom With Natanya Wachtel 38:44 Episode Artwork Ep 213: The 4-Hour Workweek in Real Life – How to Work Less & Achieve More 20:05 Episode Artwork Ep 212: AI vs. VAs: What Should You Automate vs. Delegate? 11:51 Episode Artwork EP 211: Breaking Free from the Founder’s Trap With Scott Ritzheimer 48:29 Episode Artwork Ep 210: Why Lazy Entrepreneurs Are More Successful 9:29