5 fundraising tips from Canva's Melanie Perkins

Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, built it from scratch into the giant unicorn it is today. She was able to raise significant capital very early on, by relentlessly pitching many investors and exciting them with her vision.

We gathered five pieces of advice she shared for startup founders raising capital. Here goes:

1. Have a Big Vision

Investors want to see ambition. Define a bold, transformative vision for your startup that addresses a significant problem and promises substantial impact. Show them you’re aiming for extraordinary growth, and they’ll be more inclined to support you. A strong vision not only attracts investors but also unifies your team and stakeholders around a shared purpose.

2. Create Buzz and Social Proof

Generate a buzz by engaging influential figures and media to speak positively about your startup. Build social proof by encouraging early investors to endorse you on public platforms like AngelList. The "noise" and a feeling of momentum being built will give investors a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out, that will drive them towards an investment.

3. Keep Refining Your Pitch Deck

Your pitch deck is your story and you should refine it continually. After each pitch, adapt your deck based on questions and feedback. Aim for a clear, compelling narrative that answers key questions before they’re asked. Over time, a polished pitch deck that effectively communicates your vision and strategy will win over investors.

4. Establish Rapport Before Pitching

Rather than diving straight into your pitch, spend time building rapport. Investors often want to get to know you and your approach before making a decision. Building a foundation of trust creates a more receptive audience and turns your pitch into a conversation instead of a hard sell.

5. Keep Investors in the Loop

Once you’ve made meaningful connections with investors, keep them engaged. Regular updates on milestones and progress show investors you’re dedicated, organized, and moving forward. This ongoing relationship will foster their confidence in you and your startup, and keep them invested in your success. This will result in them investing in future rounds, and in making valuable introductions to other investors and partners.

* References/recommended deep dive: Smart Company, Dynamic Business