Private investor and philanthropist Alexey Bashkirov, founder of the Donum initiative, shares his perspective on what young tech companies must do to gain the attention—and trust—of investors. In today’s competitive startup landscape, especially within the technology sector, a well-thought-out strategy for attracting capital can be just as critical as the product itself.
Strategic Planning: The Backbone of Investment Appeal
One of the most common pitfalls for early-stage startups is poor financial forecasting. According to Bashkirov, this makes a detailed and practical business plan essential—not only for internal clarity but also as a key tool in investor communication.
He highlights three core functions of a solid business plan:
- Sets Realistic Growth Expectations – Many founders rush to scale by hiring rapidly or expanding too fast. However, Bashkirov notes that investors prefer startups that grow sustainably, with a clear understanding of resource constraints.
- Builds Trust with Investors – A business plan should reflect the startup’s grasp of its own economics. Even basic cash flow projections give investors confidence and align expectations.
- Keeps the Team Grounded – Internally, the business plan acts as a compass. It helps the team track progress, reassess priorities, and adjust the roadmap when things deviate from plan.
Founders: The Driving Force Behind Startup Success
Startups thrive on leadership. Bashkirov believes that the synergy between two core roles is crucial:
- The Visionary – This person leads external communication, investor relations, marketing, and sales. They inspire, pitch, and shape the startup’s story.
- The Operator – Focused on execution, this team member handles operations, product timelines, and hiring.
Although many startups lean toward one of these strengths, Bashkirov emphasizes that investors are drawn to founding teams that balance both. The ability to execute ambitious ideas is just as important as having them.
What Early-Stage Investors Really Look For
At the pre-revenue stage, when financial data is sparse or unreliable, investors shift focus to qualitative indicators. Bashkirov identifies several top priorities:
- Founder Quality & Track Record – Founders with prior entrepreneurial experience reduce risk. They’ve faced product launches, managed growth, and often bring useful networks.
- Adaptability – Startups rarely go exactly as planned. A team’s flexibility in responding to market changes or failure is a key signal of long-term potential.
- Vision for the Market and Tech – It’s not just about solving today’s problems. According to Alexey Bashkirov, teams that anticipate where the market is heading, and develop technologies accordingly, stand out to investors.
Final Takeaway: Balance is Key
Launching a successful tech startup demands more than just a breakthrough idea. The real challenge lies in building a business that combines vision with structure. Bashkirov Alexey believes that the strongest investment candidates are those who can dream big while staying grounded—teams that pair ambition with execution, and planning with flexibility.
These are the startups that not only capture investor interest but have the resilience and clarity to lead in fast-moving markets.
