JMP Minis: Speak Investor Language

Why do some founders raise millions while others struggle to get a meeting? Ian breaks down one of the most overlooked skills in entrepreneurship: Learning to speak investor language. The conversation explores how successful founders position opportunities, communicate market size, build credibility, and create confidence around their teams and execution. Because investors aren’t just funding products. They’re betting on people. In this conversation, we discuss: • How investors evaluate opportunities • Why market size matters • The importance of team composition • What makes a founder investable • Why storytelling and credibility go hand in hand • The difference between raising money and earning trust • How founders should think about competitive advantage • Why understanding the rules of the game matters We also explore a difficult reality: Many African founders face additional scrutiny when raising capital. Understanding how investors perceive risk—and how to respond to it—can become a major competitive advantage. One lesson stands out: Great founders don’t just solve problems. They learn how to communicate those problems in a way investors understand. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/gypIGW_cq48