The Founder Initiative

You don't need to accept the first offer you're given. Saying no can show your conviction and help you hyper-target the best fit firm.

Having the person with the vision (the CEO,) and the person in charge of the execution (COO or CTO,) will be the most effective pitch duo.

Personalize messages for cold outreach when an introduction isn't possible. "Create" warm introductions when you don't have direct ones.

Using your deck to "tell your story" Respecting VC's time can lead to more success than trying to over converse with them. Giving investors what they want is better than trying to be radically different.

Using your university's resources and your inexperience as leverage to stand out.

Schedule all key meetings on Monday and Tuesday of the same week to siphon as much excitement as possible. Networking tips to get more pitches.

If you're in a market that is less known, make sure to benchmark your TAM to something your investor understands. Check out Rachel and Red Bike Capital! https://redbikecapital.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-ten-brink-a08151/"

How entrepreneurs can gain leverage in the fundraising process when they start to receive term sheets.

Taking advantage of customer networks to better your product and find niches.

Writing 3 different decks, each of different lengths, will capture the right attention at each stage of contact while reaching out. Rejection isn't precedent. Just because a few top-tier firms are ignoring you at first, others may try and get on board.

Prioritizing tasks based on impact from real data like unit metrics can lead to greater returns for your company than sorting tasks without any quantitative inputs. Growth Table Template: https://airtable.com/tblAiUMTUAYX8UXuS/viwBKLpolAV1SWgow?blocks=hide

Creating lasting relationships with VCs no matter what stage you're at.

Choosing the correct market segment and customers is vital to optimizing your revenue for the long run! Learn more about Sierra Ventures --> https://www.sierraventures.com/ Sierra Ventures - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sierra-ventures - Twitter - @Sierra_Ventures https://twitter.com/Sierra_Ventures Vignesh Ravikumar - LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/vignesh-ravikumar/28/6a8/...

Evaluating a VC's "superpowers" and commitments (besides money) before closing a deal can lead to a more successful relationship down the road.

Playing hard to get will never give you an advantage. Being genuine and transparent will.

Focus on an authentic relationship and let the money take care of itself.

Valuing others higher and creating a mutually beneficial connection can help you stand out during outreach.

Hyper-Targeting investors and increasing authenticity in outreach.

How unconventional startups can succeed with limited access to traditional resources.

3 things you need for raising money & getting media coverage: 1. super start team 2. story that makes you go wow 3. true market traction

How top startups are using a 'building-in-public' strategy to increase adoption.

$13T = the cost of racial bias to the US economy according to Citi's recent study We must move from doing things "for" to "with"...

#SolidSeedStageTraction - $400k - $750k ARR minimum Focus on the #fundementals Increasing #valuations Wise with #capital

Over the past 10 years, there has been a rise in operations as a B2B tech buyer

General Partner of Asymmetry Ventures, Rob Ness: the biggest contributors to success at the seed stage--> 'The 2% Rule' - obsess and improve the basics like #CX...