The Founder Initiative

Live in the shoes of a VC for one day, and it will change how you fundraise as a founder.

Building relationships within the startup and VC community is key to raising a successful round in the future. Relationships aren't supposed to be transactional, they are built over time mutually.

Listen to hear what they look for in a pitch and what to avoid. Hint - brevity is your friend ;)

Investor updates can help you build relationships with VCs who aren't investors, yet.

Being vulnerable and staying true to yourself will help you find the investors that really want you.

Showing a VC how they may need your startup's services can be the most convincing way to convey that there is a need for your product.

When you're just starting, all you have is your team. VCs emphasize team experience the most when reviewing decks.

Calling to set up a meeting can be the most efficient way of outreach.

Incrementally send your decks to VCs so you can constantly improve it, rather than sending it to every VC all at once.

Being genuine when sharing your risks with investors builds real trust rather than creating false trust with hype.

Sharing all your data from the start will save you time and help you filter the VCs that are genuinely interested.

Make sure your company's vision aligns with the VC's ultimate goals to ensure an effective and lasting partnership.

Letting your customer base invest will help expand your network and increase customer enthusiasm.

Using a VC's social media presence can help give you an idea if their general views align with yours.

Using crowdfunding and syndicates to expedite the fundraising process.

You'll know after a pitch who really wants to invest, and playing games with them won't help. Making your pitch easy to digest, with all needed information on it, will help VCs think when they're reflecting on your pitch. Don't sell yourself short. Aim for an addressable market over $10 billion.

Using 'committed' clients as traction can be sufficient for firms to know that there is a market for your product.

With small checks comes big networks and expertise. Expanding your cap table to include passionate investors of all sizes can help you grow your network, strengthen your relationship with your customer base, and have a long list of real people to fall back on.

Using NFTs to build an involved and active community around your growth.

Building relationships for future rounds can help to build trust - the most crucial element needed for a VC.

Warm introductions from a portfolio can make your company instantly credible and much more heard.

Using the group of people who built and supported your startup - your customers - to raise a round through equity crowdfunding.

Schedule all pitches far in advance so you can put them within a few days of each other. This creates a "blitz" effect that builds noise and makes you more competitive with each firm.

Sending sophisticated quarterly updates to VCs who are not yet ready to invest may get them to rethink their decision, or even just help with introductions and small favors down the road.

Growth is everything. You should broadcast any signal you have of growth to as many VCs as possible.