Pollinatr Masterclass: Founder Fuel – The Mindset Investors Look For

It takes more than a great idea to stand out in the world of startups – it takes a mindset that attracts investors. At the recent Pollinatr Masterclass, Founder Fuel: The Mindset Investors Look For, held at ICMS, students and future business owners heard advice from industry leaders about what makes someone “investible.”  

This event showed how ICMS is committed to helping students learn the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in places where businesses like Pollinatr operate. 

Richelle Nicols, CEO and Director of Pollinatr, led the class. Alongside her were Blair Courtney-O’Connor, a director on Pollinatr’s board, and Paula Grace, a member of the company’s Investment Committee.  

They gave students clear advice on what investors look for and explained what it takes to get from having an idea to actually getting support for your business. 

Key Themes from the Masterclass

Richelle shared a core message—being “investible” is not just about having an amazing idea. It’s just as much about the person behind that idea. 

“Investors look at the jockey first and the horse second,” she said. This means investors pay close attention to the founder’s personal strengths, habits, and their ability to actually make things happen. 

She also talked about an acronym: KASH—which stands for Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habits. While it’s easy to see someone’s knowledge and skills, Richelle explained that attitude and habits are often what really make the difference in getting investment. 

Paula talked about what investors notice in founders. She said being honest and showing who you really are is important, especially when it comes to talking about setbacks or risks the business faces. 

“Investors want to work with founders who are resilient and self-aware,” she said. This means being able to bounce back from tough times and being clear about your strengths and weaknesses. 

The ICMS Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship) and ICMS Bachelor of Business helps students build these traits. The courses mix business theory with hands-on experiences, teaching students how to think on their feet and handle real challenges—just like investors expect from future founders. 

Blair added that learning and growing, especially in tech, is key for anyone wanting to build a modern business. 

“I think it would help if you’re interested in tech, you have the ability to learn tech. You might not necessarily be savvy at the start, but you might be able to develop the skillset to expand into that space. And there’s a lot of ways in which you can do that,” he said. 

ICMS builds this kind of mindset in their courses, and even offers a range of Bachelor of Business (Information Technology) degrees, which is a great foundation.  

Business and entrepreneurship students do real projects, get industry training, and take classes that prepare them for new and changing careers. By blending tech know-how with business skills, ICMS graduates are ready to step into the roles today’s investors want to see. 

Practical Advice for Founders

The masterclass also gave future founders practical advice that works whether you’re just starting out or already running a business.  

Key tips included: 

• Start building relationships with investors early, even before you need money. 

• Show that customers want your product by getting market feedback—this is something investors care a lot about. 

• Be careful and honest with financial planning to build trust. 

• Build a team with different strengths so you can get things done. 

The panel also talked about how founders need to have a strong personal brand and be visible online. Richelle Nicols said investors do their homework and check what they can find about founders online, including social media and community involvement. 

“I don’t want to invest in mystery,” she said, and encouraged everyone to show their expertise and professionalism. 

A Unique Opportunity for ICMS Students

The Pollinatr Masterclass was an interactive experience that allowed students to ask questions, engage in discussions, and gain real-world insights from industry leaders.   

Attendees left with a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the startup ecosystem and how to position themselves for investment.  

The Pollinatr Masterclass is part of ICMS’s ongoing commitment to providing students with industry-relevant learning experiences.   

By connecting students with experts like Richelle Nicols, Paula Grace, and Blair Courtney-O’Connor, ICMS continues to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive global market.