In some cases, an investor might take a meeting or call with zero chance of investing. The investor liked you, the investor is returning a favor to a friend….

The opening sentence of the meeting is likely just that: ‘Zero percent chance that I will invest” followed by a pretty good reason “You are a medical device company, and I only invest in drugs”.

After such an opening, some startups might still try. The result: still no investment, and an investor who is slightly annoyed and cuts the meeting short.

It is better to change objective, and see where this person could actually be helpful.