Knocking on international investors’ doors takes more than just a good idea and a polished pitch deck. Marvin Tiebout learned this firsthand while building Snap2Cook, his food tech venture that caught global attention. Through trial and error, he discovered that landing overseas investment means seeing your business through foreign eyes.
Today, he shares three key insights that helped him bridge the gap between local success and international appeal:
Research Your Potential Investors
The first lesson Marvin learned? Do your homework. “Research your potential investors’ business background,” he says. You can’t pitch effectively if you don’t know who you’re talking to. This means digging deeper than surface-level details about their portfolio.
Investors have their comfort zones – specific industries and regions where they like to play. Marvin points out that understanding these preferences shapes how you tell your story. “If an investor focuses on tech start-ups in Asia, tailor your pitch to show how your pitch fits their preferred markets,” he explains. But it’s not just about fitting into their existing portfolio. Smart founders show investors how their business could work in new territories. Marvin suggests founders “highlight global potential to show how your business can scale globally or meets needs across multiple markets.” Better yet, make it personal – “emphasize how they might apply to the investors’ own country or region.”
Leverage Of Concept And Social Proof
Talk is cheap in any language. That’s why Marvin’s second tip focuses on backing up your claims. “Leverage concept and social proof,” he advises. This means showing, not just telling, how your business works across borders. Got wins on the board? Put them front and center. “Showcase local success stories,” Marvin recommends. “If you’ve achieved notable traction or partnerships in other countries, showcase them.” He suggests highlighting success case studies the investor will understand – ones that speak to their market experience.
Numbers speak louder than words when you’re crossing cultural barriers. That’s why Marvin emphasizes the need to “demonstrate customer demand.” He suggests sharing concrete data about “user adoption, positive reviews, and social media engagement to show that there’s demand for your product.”
Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition
The final piece of the puzzle? Making sure investors understand what makes your business special. “Highlight unique value proposition and market differentiation,” Marvin says. This isn’t just about being different – it’s about being different in ways that matter to international markets.
Start by getting specific about what sets you apart. “Clarify your USP,” he advises. “Explain what sets your business apart from its competitors, particularly any advantage relevant to the investors local market.” But don’t stop there. Show them why your edge matters beyond your home turf. Marvin suggests demonstrating “why your USP has global appeal, especially if similar products or services are less available or popular in their market.”
Success with international investors comes down to preparation and perspective. As Marvin puts it, “a well researched, tailored approach demonstrates both your knowledge of the investors environment and your commitment to expanding globally.” The payoff? When you do this right, “this strategy will help investors envision the potential impact of their investment beyond local markets.” It’s about helping them see not just what your business is today, but what it could become tomorrow – in their backyard and beyond.
This thoughtful approach to international pitching has helped Marvin build Snap2Cook into a business that crosses borders. By focusing on research, proof, and clear value propositions, he’s created a roadmap other founders can follow when seeking investment beyond their home markets.
To learn more about Marvin Tiebout and Snap2Cook, check out his LinkedIn profile.
