Gap Analysis

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Finding & Closing the Gap

Gap Analysis highlights shortcomings through an organizational, execution and strength and weaknesses analysis. It focuses on the gap between the materials developed and presentation skills of the founders and the expectations and needs of the investors.

Gap analysis considers questions such as:

• What investors are interested in my product?
• What are their expectations when they meet me?
• Does my product fit into their selection criteria?
• What are their deciding factors for investment?
• How well does the entrepreneur present to an investor or a group of investors?
• How well does the entrepreneur prepare for that presentation?
• What are the key points to make to the investor in the allotted time with them?
• Once introduced to an investor, what is the typical time-line for investment?

Fortunately, once gaps have been identified the team can set about closing them. Frequently this process is beyond the skill sets of founders. Because of the high stakes involved, the team should get assistance from professionals before making presentations to VCs – or before the funding opportunity is closed by others.

Gap Analysis Programs

Our gap analysis and red teaming programs involve three phases. In Phase One a group of founders are introduced to the process of gap analysis and schooled in the critical issues affecting their chances for being funded. The purpose of this first phase is to help founders identify and close gaps in their presentations. The program results in a gap analysis of their company and presentation.

In Phase Two we build on the results of Phase One by providing a real world, red teaming experience for selected team. Phase Two simulates an actual presentation to a group of angel investors. Founders present to an experienced panel of investors and advisors. The presentation is followed by a critique and one-on-one coaching for presentation improvement.

Phase Three is offered to teams which graduate from the Phase Two program. We supply customized ongoing support for teams as they identify potential investors, schedule and make presentation and negotiate funding.
© Dr. Earl R. Smith II, Marty Secada

Dr. Smith is a senior adviser to companies and CEOs (http://www.dr-smith.info/) Marty Secada is Managing Director of Broad and Wall Consulting (http://www.broadwall.net/).

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Related Articles:

• Venture Capital – The First Meeting
• Red-Teaming: Improve Your Chances of Getting Funded
• Lack of Accountability – The Core of Failure
• Management Incentivization the Right Way
• Four Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Buying a Business
• Why Most Start-ups Fail – Part One
• Why Start-Ups Fail – Part Two

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