Investors don’t always just provide capital. Making use of an investor’s experience and leveraging their network and support can benefit your startup just as much as money can. Here are some non financial resources an investor can offer:

1. Expertise and Industry Knowledge -  Many investors bring with them years of experience in specific industries or markets. They can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and guidance based on their expertise. Whether it's understanding market trends, navigating regulatory challenges, or implementing best practices, investors can offer strategic direction that helps businesses make informed decisions, because they’ve been there, done that. This is why choosing the right investor who has expertise in the industry your startup operates in becomes important.
2. Networking Opportunities - Investors often have extensive networks built over years of working in their respective industries. They can introduce you to potential customers, partners or suppliers. Through introductions and partnerships facilitated by investors, startups can streamline operations, secure favorable terms, and tap into new markets with greater efficiency. Investors can also connect startups with other investors who may be interested in contributing additional capital. This can be particularly beneficial for startups looking to raise additional funding to fuel expansion or scale their operations.
3. Access to Talent - Investors' access to talent pools and recruitment networks can significantly benefit startups in building high-performing teams. Beyond introductions and recommendations, investors often play an active role in leveraging their industry connections to attract top-tier talent with specialized skills and expertise relevant to the startup's needs. This collaborative approach to talent acquisition ensures startups have access to a diverse pool of qualified candidates and fosters a culture of innovation and excellence within the organization. 
4. Operational Support - Some investors may offer operational support by providing access to shared resources, facilitis, or services. This could include assistance with legal, accounting, or administrative functions, allowing startups to focus on their core business activities without getting too distracted by operational challenges. They can offer insights into industry best practices, regulatory compliance, and business operations, enabling startups to mitigate risks and optimize efficiency. Moreover, investors may facilitate access to specialized expertise through their professional networks, connecting startups with industry experts or advisors who can provide tailored guidance and support in areas such as product development, marketing strategy, and customer acquisition. 
5. Planning - Investors often play an important role in strategically shaping the direction of a startup. They can help entrepreneurs develop business plans, set achievable milestones, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. By providing strategic guidance, investors ensure that startups stay focused on their long-term objectives and remain on track towards achieving them. However this can be both a boon and a curse. Not every founder thrives on accountability and might crave a sense of autonomy.