Why 90% Investors Abandon Your Deals (And What They’re Really Looking For)

You’re Not Losing Capital Because of Your Deal.

You’re Losing It Because Investors Are Walking Out the Digital Door - Fast.

Let’s get real: If you’re a new sponsor raising $5M–$25M, your biggest frustration probably isn’t the deal. It’s that investors say they’re interested, but then… nothing.

No follow-through. No check. You send out your deck, maybe hop on a call, and still - crickets. Why?

The brutal answer: You’re losing up to 90% of committed capital before the real conversation even starts. And you probably don’t even see it happening.

The 7-Second Decision

Here’s what the research shows about high-stakes investing:

Even for big checks, investors scan your site and materials for just 7 seconds before making their first judgment.

Think about that:

• 7 seconds for them to size you up, decide if you’re credible, and figure out if you’re worth a callback.

• 7 seconds to convince them you’re not another risk.

  
  

And if your website, deck, or follow-up process feels amateur - or worse, generic - they’re gone. No second chance. No follow-up. Just lost capital.

Fatal Mistake #1: “DIY” Digital Presence

Investors aren’t just judging your deals - they’re judging you.

If your website looks homemade, your deal room is a PDF, or your follow-up is a scattered email chain, investors start asking:

• “Is this sponsor credible with my capital?”

• “If their online presence is this sloppy, what does their back office look like?”

Fatal Mistake #2: Hiding What Investors Want to See

High-net-worth LPs are risk-obsessed. They want answers fast:

• Who are you?

• What’s the deal?

• What makes it safer than the next sponsor’s?

• Who else has trusted you?

  
  

If this information isn’t immediately visible (think: website homepage, not buried in an attachment), investors bounce. They’re not going to dig through decks or chase down missing details.

Fatal Mistake #3: Making Investors Work for Answers

The truth? Investors in high-consideration deals scan - then decide if they’ll go deeper. If your information is locked in long paragraphs, confusing menus, or endless scrolling, they won’t bother.

Research shows even motivated buyers skip dense text and bail on “walls” of information. They expect crisp sections, bold headlines, and a clear path to next steps.

What Investors Are Really Looking For

It isn’t just the numbers. Sophisticated LPs want to know:

You run a tight, professional operation You understand their need for clarity, speed, and confidence You respect their time by making information accessible and transparent

If your materials look like you’re just “getting by,” they’ll assume you run your deals the same way.

Takeaway: Stop Bleeding Capital in the First 7 Seconds

Most sponsors don’t lose investors on the deal - they lose them before the conversation even starts.

Want to fix it? Start with your digital presence:

• Make your credibility and value obvious - instantly.

• Structure everything for scanning, not hunting.

• Cut the clutter. Highlight the essentials.

  
  

Audit your materials now:

If you were an LP, would you indicate interest after 7 seconds? Or would you click away - just like your investors do?

Want a no-BS audit of your investor experience? Let’s review your digital funnel together.