Entrepreneurs are recognized as a vital part of economic growth, and entrepreneurial activities is said to contribute with socioeconomic development and increased employment. However, there is a need for a more sophisticated and accurate model that can predict investment potential for new ventures. It’s essential that entrepreneurs that are seeking funding should do more than try to make their company investment ready; they should look at the required criteria and ensure that they achieve the requirements. This master thesis explores and analyses the concept of investment readiness aimed at technology-based new ventures at an early development phase. Furthermore, exploring the role of business incubators and their advisory support for preparing incubated technology-based new ventures in becoming investment ready.

The research process has been deductive throughout the whole study, and the method has been qualitative with an aim to investigate the synergies between new ventures, incubators, and investment readiness. We have interviewed a mix of entrepreneurs, investors, and business coaches to get their take on the subject. The study contributed with a conclusion that investment readiness in the context of technology-based new ventures signifies their ability to show progress, business development skills, and perspective on external finances. Also, for technology-based new ventures to become investment ready at an early stage, the requirements are to become both organizationally, technologically, and strategically ready. Additionally, When supporting technology-based new ventures in becoming investment ready, the role of an incubator is to supplement the lack of competences, prepare the business case with advisory and negotiate from the investors’ perspective.