How to woo big-time investors

Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik recently led a $10 million round of investment in Omnivore, a high-tech restaurant management firm that got its start in Tampa before moving to Silicon Valley. In St. Petersburg, Kahwa Coffee continues to attract funding, raising nearly $6.5 million in 2018, primarily from local sources. Other area companies have succeeded in raising funds — even in a region not known for venture capital. 

“Concisely articulate the merits of the opportunity, the economics, the risks. And know your numbers very, very well." Mike Faraone, senior managing director at Skyway Capital Markets. 

What does it take to lure investors? Mike Faraone, an owner and senior managing director at Skyway Capital Markets, a Tampa-based investment firm, offers some insider tips.