I have a website with a partner of mine that we have been working on for several years now on and off. We feel it is a great idea but haven't had the time or resources to focus on the site as much as we should. How do people decide whether or not they should pitch their website to an investor or not? If so how much do you know to ask for? How do you figure out if it would be better to continue and try to work on the site on the side or if investment $ is actually what you really need? Does anyone have personal experience with working with investors? Was it positive or negative? I have a technical background (actual developing and designing the site) and my partner comes from a business and finance background so we have a solid understanding of the direction we want to go with the site.
In oder to provide you whit an answer we need to know the size of your website and the industry in which you're active .
Once you have your business plan and your executive summary ready, you are now ready to seek the right investor to ask for capital.
It all depends on your market and your site. You also have to pitch the site very well. In the end only you can decide whether or not your site is ready to be presented to investors. Make sure it haslong term value and is really something that will catch on.
If you are going to need investors (aka borrow money) try to get it from close friends, trusted peers, or extended family first. Don't tell them that it's an investment, say that you need to borrow it, and if the inquire, show them your business plan if you desire. Atl east this way you get the start up capital you need, and you won't have to worry about some other person owning a % of your 'business.