5 Tips for Investing in Tech Startups
In a world of growing technology, it has become apparent that tech startups are among the most significant investments for building a diverse and vast portfolio. If you look at Uber, in the beginning, the stocks sold for much less than they are worth now. The same goes for Google, Facebook, Twitter, and many other tech companies. So it is no surprise that people want to find new and upcoming tech companies. To find a tech in its pre-giant stage is a dream come true.
So how do you know what company to invest in? Is there a formula for investing in tech startups? Make sure you do your research! There are plenty of great sites to help you with the stock market, like The Stock Dork, where you can learn tricks of the trade. Places like that even satisfy the most prolific investors because everyone needs to sharpen the saw.
So how do you find the business that deserves your investment? Is there anything you should look for in particular? Here are a few suggestions for finding the perfect tech company to invest in:
1. The Culture of the Company
If a company has a solid and moral culture, chances for employee productivity are much higher. So how do you know if they have a good moral compass? If they claim to have a good one, the chances are they have a mission statement. The mission statement can be the make it or break it for any startup. With the mission statement, the company can make sure they always stay in the right direction.
If the company has a comfortable environment for its employees, then the investors are bound to feel comfortable.
Think of it like this: if you heard that a company treats its employees with great respect, would you feel better buying their products? What if a company was known to be harmful to employees?
2. Perpetual Improvement
The company must know its industry to succeed. They must show great attention to detail in their niche, and if they stay relevant, the company will encompass longevity. As an investor, you are looking for tech companies that never turn their back and continue improving. Perpetual improvement keeps a business relevant, ensures longevity, and makes a ton more money than a company burying its face. Vet the company owners and be sure to find out their long-term goals.
You should also scope out the market, get an idea yourself, and whether it is possible to improve forever. Is the call a dying one? If the company shows potential in the market, then it may be an excellent investment. Does the company have the potential to change with the ever-changing society?
3. Teamwork
If a company does not play well with each other, how can you expect them to play well in general? Teamwork is essential in any circumstance, but it is paramount when it comes to a successful company. The mission statement should involve everyone in the company to align their moral compasses. When people come together and work well, they create synergy. Synergy is a highly effective habit. Three is better than one.
4. Originality
A company that corners a specific niche is more likely to succeed than a company that competes with tech giants. For example, if someone wanted you to invest in a startup that is an alternative to Google, what are the chances of succeeding? Google is worth billions, and the startup has to compete with that. You would have to spend more money to advertise than build the company and hire good people.
What about a social networking site? Again, it is all about the niche. Social networks will forever grow, so it could go over quite well if the idea is original and clever enough. You must ask yourself, would I use it? Or do I know anyone who would use it?
At times you have to go with your instinct. Chances are if the company stands out to you, then perhaps it has some great potential, but you have to watch for fake pitches.
5. Return on Investment
The most important last: always know how much potential there is before investing. If the company does not make money for the investor, why invest in the first place? Empty promises do not make companies succeed. If the company is not willing to share that information with you, it is not worth your investment.
There is no magical method for investing in tech companies, but there are some great tips. Be sure to do your research, and it is okay to take risks—measured risks—because that is how tech companies grow into giants. Investors genuinely help a company thrive, so investing is a significant part of the tech world.