Another valuable dinner this week here at TableCrowd over at Jamie’s Italian with Adrian Lloyd, Founder Partner of Episode 1 Ventures.

Episode 1 invests in seed and series A rounds of up to £2m in software-driven businesses with the potential to transform industries. Episode 1 like entrepreneurs who are data-driven, and are building a portfolio of companies that are using software technology to disrupt their chosen marketplaces.

So what does Adrian advise for entrepreneurs who are looking to approach a VC like himself? Some simple but clever tips from Adrian below:

Entrepreneurs…

1. Be a missionary, not a mercenary.
2. Be picky with incubators. Don’t just go for any of them, as the top ones are an immediate validation for VCs of worthwhile businesses to look into.
3. Don’t go into a negotiation with a company valuation that has a range.

Adrian advised our diners to look up the VCs that you’re meeting with beforehand. A little bit of research into what they’re looking for can go a long way, in order that you keep their interest when you do meet them in person.

And a final obligatory tip:

Don’t fabricate details to make your company sound better. Due diligence is there for a reason and they WILL find out!

You have been warned, readers!

Our speaker, Adrian Lloyd from Episode 1, was joined by Like Minds, MyBeautyMatches, Compare and Share, WellVine, USPAAH, Sesame, Natural Born Brands, myDriver, Klusstr, ClearMacro and Henchman amongst others.

A special thanks to our sponsor Taylor Wessing, and to our speaker, Adrian Lloyd.