Mistake 1: Launching in too many markets simultaneously
Proving liquidity in one market is more compelling than spreading thin across ten. Investors want depth, not breadth, at seed stage.
Fix: Address this during the preparation phase before investor conversations begin. The structural work on capital strategy, positioning, and narrative is what prevents these mistakes from materializing in live investor meetings.
Mistake 2: Subsidizing both sides indefinitely
Early-stage marketplaces often subsidize one side to solve cold start. But investors need to see a path to removing subsidies without destroying liquidity.
Fix: Address this during the preparation phase before investor conversations begin. The structural work on capital strategy, positioning, and narrative is what prevents these mistakes from materializing in live investor meetings.
Mistake 3: Presenting GMV without unit economics
High GMV with negative unit economics is a liability, not an asset. Show revenue per transaction minus all variable costs.
Fix: Address this during the preparation phase before investor conversations begin. The structural work on capital strategy, positioning, and narrative is what prevents these mistakes from materializing in live investor meetings.
Mistake 4: No supply-side retention strategy
If suppliers leave your marketplace after their first transaction, you're a lead-gen tool, not a marketplace. Retention data is critical.
Fix: Address this during the preparation phase before investor conversations begin. The structural work on capital strategy, positioning, and narrative is what prevents these mistakes from materializing in live investor meetings.
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