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Website

Investor friendly website

Most startup websites focus on conversions and leads, but investors may be looking for something else. In this article, I’ll share how to create a website that speaks to investors.
Investor-friendly startup website

Investors are not your average users. Design and branding make a difference

Investors aren't just people browsing for the next service or product—they want their capital to grow. They won’t invest in a brand they don’t believe in. Branding and design are key. They create trust, reflect the startup’s maturity, and show how seriously the founders are taking the company. Is this a quick cash grab or something worth building?

A real-world example: Investor-focused site for an Australian startup

Last year I worked with an Australian startup that didn’t need a site for direct sales—but rather to gain investor trust.

Their actual customer target group was enterprise clients, so the site also acted as branding.

The goal was a clean and intentional design that highlighted their vision and what they had already built. Fraim provided a clear creative direction with visuals—screenshots, videos, and illustrations.

My job was to guide them on web strategy and UX, then turn that into a complete website design and build it in Framer.

The site may seem minimalist at first glance, but it’s packed with small details—from unique storytelling animations to a custom navigation structure.

The result? A success. The site focused on the startup’s mission and quality. A senior executive from a $65B finance company gave it praise.

The strategy clearly paid off. This kind of website doesn’t need to stay online for years—it has a mission, and when that’s accomplished, you pivot. The ROI was clearly positive.

You don’t need to impress everyone. You just need the right person to be impressed.

Using Framer

One big advantage was using Framer. The creative concept was evolving right up to the finish line, and Framer allowed us to make fast changes.

Startups shouldn’t sink developer resources into building a complex site. Framer is a great tool for creating a custom-designed site quickly. It has its limitations, but for early-stage needs, it’s ideal. Read more on why Framer is a great choice. Got questions? Feel free to reach out.

Does your site meet investor expectations?

If your website can’t communicate credibility and growth potential in seconds, something’s wrong. Details are often picked up subconsciously.

A strong website builds belief that you can also create a solid, professional product.

Investor-ready website checklist

Is the visual identity strong?

First impressions matter. A modern, professional design builds trust. A rushed or outdated look suggests immaturity. But don’t overdo it either.

  • Is the site modern and clear?
  • Does it look professional at an investor level?
  • Is the branding cohesive and high quality?

Is the messaging clear and direct?

Investors won’t read deeply. The first 5 seconds decide if they stay or bounce.

  • What problem is your startup solving?
  • How are you solving it?
  • What’s the growth potential?

Does the site reflect scalability?

Investors want to see potential for scale—not just another service provider.

  • Is there a clear roadmap?
  • Does the site show how you’ll grow in the market?

Are your team and values highlighted?

Investors invest in people more than ideas. If your team is missing from the site, it can raise red flags.

Alternative: If you don’t have a strong team to show yet, use other ways to build trust—original video content, photos of your space, signs that this is a real, working startup.

Investor site vs sales site – what’s different?

Most B2B sites focus on generating leads. But for investors, it’s different. Here are key differences:

CTA: Sign up vs Learn our story or Watch the demo
Messaging: Solving a problem vs Big idea and market potential
Design: Conversion-focused vs Visually strong, prestigious look
Team: Less important vs Very important

Not sure what’s right for your startup? Let’s figure it out together. Or check out our web design services to learn more.

Pitch deck vs website – can they be combined?

Some startups embed their full pitch deck on their site. This can work for investors, but you have to think it through.

Pros:

  • All key info is immediately accessible
  • Fewer barriers for interested investors
  • No need to send custom decks every time
  • Could go viral or reach a wider audience

Cons:

  • May expose too much to competitors
  • Less personalized than a tailored pitch
  • If the story doesn’t resonate, interest drops fast

A hybrid might be best: show key points online, offer the full pitch deck after personal contact.

4. Team brand and visibility matters

Another often overlooked aspect—your team’s personal brand. In early-stage startups, the background and professionalism of the team can be crucial.

  • Do team members have strong personal brands (LinkedIn, articles, talks)?
  • Does the site reflect company culture and values?
  • Are there clear experts who can take the company to the next level?

Investors want to see fast growth. They know that after funding rounds, startups start hiring rapidly. If your site signals that your startup is an attractive place to work, that boosts confidence.

A fundraising-ready website

A startup raising money should reflect that in its website. The main goal isn’t just attracting customers—it’s also gaining investor trust.

  • Focus on quality, prestige, and scalability. Show your market potential.
  • Branding and visual identity must be high-level.
  • The site should immediately communicate credibility.
  • Pitch decks can be partly public, but think carefully about full exposure.

If you're fundraising but your site doesn’t connect with investors, it’s time for a rethink. Reach out—we’ll help you create a site that not only looks great but helps raise real money.