A lead investment is the first investment into a company, and a lead investor is first investor to back a company. 

 

A lead investor acts is the first stamp of approval, and they act as a point-of-contact between other investors and a company when it comes time to fundraise. Lead investors offer time, expertise, and their network to companies that they invest into in exchange for equity.

 

Takeaways:

• The lead investor is the first investor to invest into a company’s fundraising round.
• Lead investors usually take a majority of the round, and they often determine economics of the round.
• Lead investors will often take board seats.
• Once a lead investor is secured, it becomes much easier for a company to fill out the rest of their round because other investors like to tag along.

 

Who is a lead investor?

A fund, individual, or organization that leads funding rounds is called a lead investor. 

 

The lead investor usually takes a up a significant amount of the round (30-80%), they will set economics for the financing round, and they will take a more active role through a board seat or other measures. The lead investor also helps companies through providing advice, brokering intros to different investors to help them close out the round, and introducing companies to potential customers that can help their business grow.

 

What are the lead investor’s responsibilities?

The investment agreement usually outlines the responsibilities of the lead investor. 

 

Before investing into any company, the lead investor will run their own due diligence process. This process will help be helpful especially when it comes time to introduce the company to other co-investors because they can share how they are thinking about the opportunity. 

 

Lead investors also provide mentorship for the company they choose to lead. Lead investors can use their sector knowledge, skills, connections, and networks to help the company succeed and ultimately increase their return on investment.

 

What does it mean for you as a founder?

The lead investor sets the terms of the investment round and company valuation. It is essential that you, as a founder, think carefully about accepting any lead investment and, most importantly, consult a lawyer on the terms. 

 

It is also essential to evaluate the quality and caliber of the investor, which may be even more important than the investment amount they offer. This will help you establish your credibility in the market and attract additional investors in this round and future rounds. A high-quality lead investor sell expert can provide sector-specific advice and guidance during investment. They can also help you build a strong network that can open doors for your business. This can all be a huge asset for your company moving forward.

 

You should expect the lead investor to conduct extensive due diligence on your founders and business. A typical due diligence process should include a list of questions, meetings, and possibly an external evaluation.

 

Attributes for a lead investor

Here are some highlights of the qualities, skills, and attributes that make an investor a lead investor.

 

• Experience in the venture capital market or legal, financial arrangements is required.
• The investor should be able to distinguish between venture capital and private equity.
• He should be a professional willing to invest his time in the venture capital market.
• Experience with business and syndicate arrangements is essential for the lead investor.
• Passion is required to ensure that the business grows and that the relationship with the fundraising company remains strong.
• It is advantageous to have a working knowledge of marketing and accounting tools.
• You must be responsible and diligent in your work.

 

Any investor with the above qualities may be able to assume the role of lead investor. The investor with the most capital does not have to be the leading investor. An anonymous agreement can be reached with all the other investors to name any other investor demonstrating these virtues. The lead investor will create realistic plans and maintain communication with the fundraising company.

 

Communication skills that allow you to effectively and efficiently communicate with potential investors and existing investors. A plan must be developed and implemented by the lead investor. In some cases, the lead investor may be the only investor and will need to attract other investors.

 

Campaigns and marketing are essential before the lead investor can attract a group of investors. Other investors will be attracted to the fundraising company by marketing or campaigning via social media platforms, face-to-face approaches, and other marketing channels.

 

The role of the lead investor is not limited to the campaign. He must also maintain and increase investor availability. This requires that the lead invest be proficient in administrative skills. The lead investor is a key player in the venture capital market. Both investors and fundraising companies have high expectations of him.

 

Major responsibilities of the deal lead

The role of the lead investor is multifaceted. Here are his primary responsibilities.

 

• Administrative roles before and after funding round campaigns.
• Quickly make decisions for other investors.
• Organize meetings with shareholders and investors of the fundraising company.
• Assist the investor group as a liaison officer.
• Assure legal compliance with investment agreements
• Ensure that investors are represented appropriately.
• You must have the power to grant a proxy and be able to act in an emergency.
• Provision of an investment plan and a nominee structure
• You must account for any funds released or received.
• Provide timely reports or proof of payment.

 

These responsibilities can be extended depending on the growth of the fundraising company and investors’ plans. These roles do not end with campaign periods. Even after successful campaigns, the lead investor must still fulfill his duties.

 

The agreed lock-up or lock-in period between the investors and the fundraising organization will determine whether or not a lead investor is allowed to sell their shares. In most cases, investors and the company agree on a lock-in period in venture capital markets.

 

After certifying all legal requirements, the lock-up period is set out in writing and signed by investors. This lock-up period can vary from one fundraising company or another. It might be two years or more, depending on the agreement. The lock-up period does not allow the lead investor to sell shares.

 

The investors and fund-raising companies cannot also withdraw money from the investment. The lead investor assures the other investors that the fundraising company is secure and reliable. A lead investor can’t sell shares until the lock-up period has expired.

 

Syndicate

In a venture capital arrangement, a syndicate administrator is simply an authorized person who promotes a group of investors or a fundraising company’s shared interests. A syndicate administrator is a person who represents both the investor group and the fundraising company in an investment.

 

All parties involved in the investment must be notified to authorize a syndicate administrator. A funder beam must agree to the appointment of a syndicate if a fundraising company wishes to do so. Other investors must also consent to the appointment of a syndicate if a lead investor wishes.

 

The company’s syndicate administrator handles administrative tasks and represents its interests. As a company representative, a company syndicate administrator is responsible for all administrative tasks.

 

Bottom line

When your startup is raising capital from multiple investors in a round, one of the investors, often the largest investor, will act as the lead investor. When capital raising from multiple investors is vital to have a lead investor. The lead investor will set the key terms of the deal with your startup and facilitate the negotiation process by negotiating the transaction documents on behalf of all investors.

 

To learn more about other terms commonly used in venture capital, check out our complete VC Glossary.