I’m Not Ready Because I Don’t Make Money Now

Starting a business is like planting a garden. You sow the seeds, water them, and hope they grow into something fruitful. But what happens when your garden is still sprouting, and you’re considering bringing in an investor? A common concern among entrepreneurs is, “I’m not ready because I don’t make money now.” Let’s break down why this shouldn’t hold you back.

Understanding the Investor’s Perspective

First things first, investors are not just looking for businesses that are already profitable. They are looking for potential. They want to see a clear path to profitability, a unique value proposition, and a passionate team ready to take on the challenge. Remember, many successful companies, like Amazon and Uber, weren’t profitable when they first sought funding.

The Power of a Strong Business Plan

If you’re not making money now, a well-thought-out business plan becomes your best friend. It should outline your market analysis, revenue model, growth strategy, and financial projections. This plan shows investors that you have a roadmap to profitability, even if you’re not there yet.

Highlighting Traction and Milestones

Even if you’re not making money, showing progress is crucial. This could be in the form of user growth, product development milestones, or strategic partnerships. Traction demonstrates that your business is moving in the right direction and can be a compelling argument for why you’re a worthy investment.

The Importance of Mentorship

One of the key offerings of our company is not just matching you with investors, but connecting you with mentors. These seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can provide invaluable advice and support, helping you navigate the tricky waters of early-stage business growth. Their guidance can be the catalyst you need to turn your startup into a revenue-generating machine.

Real-World Success

At our recent event, 3 out of the 7 participating companies received their ask amount. Not all of them were profitable, but they all had one thing in common: potential. They showcased their vision, their plan, and their progress. And it paid off.

Take, for example, the startup annuity carrier that joined us in Dallas. Despite not being profitable at the time, their preparation and clear vision impressed our investors, ultimately securing the necessary funding to propel the business forward.

Don’t let the lack of current profitability deter you from seeking the funding you need to grow. With a solid plan, clear milestones, and the right mentorship, you can convince investors to believe in your vision and join you on your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, apply for our next event and see how we can help match you with the perfect angel investor.

Est. 1919 · Des Moines, Iowa

HOTEL FORT DES MOINES

A century of stories, one remarkable address

Famous Guests
Scandals & Secrets
Firsts & Innovations
The Beginning
1922
\
1922

Helen Keller rang in the New Year here, staying at the hotel while in Des Moines for performances over New Year's Eve.

1927
\
1927

Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig had breakfast here before an exhibition game. Two of baseball's greatest, at the same table, in Des Moines.

1927
\
1927

Charles Lindbergh hosted a banquet here after his famous transatlantic flight. The menu featured boneless squab — reportedly a rare Des Moines delicacy at the time.

1933
\
1933

Amelia Earhart visited the hotel to speak about her solo flight across the Atlantic — a rare chance for Iowans to hear her story firsthand.

1947
\
1947

Mae West stayed here during her performance of "Come on Up" at the KRNT Radio Theater. One imagines she made an impression on the staff.

1959
\
1959

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev occupied the Presidential Suite during the height of the Cold War. This hotel has seen history made.

1960
\
1960

JFK, LBJ, and Hubert Humphrey all attended dinner here and held a meeting on farm policy — three future or sitting presidents under one roof.

1980
\
1980

Elizabeth Taylor stayed here during a Des Moines appearance. Hollywood glamour, right here in the heartland.

1980
\
1980

Elizabeth Taylor stayed here during a Des Moines appearance. Hollywood glamour, right here in the heartland.

2003
\
2003

Cher requested her own personal mattress be placed in room #1025. The hotel obliged. Room 1025 has never quite been the same.

2008
\
2008

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both stayed here during the Iowa caucuses — rivals for the presidency, sharing the same address for a night.

1939
\
1939

Police raided the Log Cabin Room on the 11th floor, seizing liquor and gambling equipment. The tip reportedly came from the men's own wives.

1927
\
1927

When Lindbergh dined here post-transatlantic flight, he reportedly insisted on serving boneless squab, an extravagance that raised eyebrows across Iowa.

1959
\
1959

The FBI monitored Khrushchev's stay closely. Guests on nearby floors reportedly had no idea who was sleeping down the hall.

1971
\
1971

President Nixon greeted supporters in the lobby during his stay — a reminder that this hotel has always been where Iowa's political drama plays out.

1919
\
1919

When it opened, every single room had a bathtub, purified chilled circulating water, and a window. Unheard of luxury for its era.

1938
\
1938

The hotel announced the first air-conditioned guest room in Des Moines, a genuine technological milestone that made front-page news.

1953
\
1953

100 rooms received TV sets in what was reportedly the largest single installation of televisions in Iowa at the time. The fee to operate yours? 25 cents.

1982
\
1982

Governor Terry Branstad nominated the hotel to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place in Iowa's official history.

1919
\
1919

The hotel opened on July 15, 1919, built for approximately $1.5 million and designed by the architectural firm Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson.

1919
\
1919

Its opening was a statement of ambition: every room had a private bathtub, purified water, and a window. In 1919, this was genuinely extraordinary.

1974
\
1974

Ronald Reagan attended WHO Radio's 50th anniversary celebration at the hotel, proof that Fort Des Moines has always been Iowa's premier gathering place.

2021
\
2021

After major renovations, the hotel reopened as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a century of history, restored for the next hundred years.