Chris Neumann's Top 10 Posts of 2023

The Quiet Part Out Loud
Written By Chris Neumann

When I launched chrisneumann.com, I committed to publishing a new post and accompanying newsletter every Wednesday. No repeats. No missed weeks. No excuses.

I also promised my wife that I wouldn’t do any work between Christmas and New Years (except in the case of a portfolio company emergency).

So here is my annual unapologetic cop-out: Chris Neumann’s Top 10 Posts of 2023 (in reverse order…so there’s a bit of drama):

 

#10

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Why Don't VCs Give Feedback?
Why Don't VCs Give Feedback?

One of the most frustrating experiences for startup founders is to have multiple calls with a potential investor, only to hear…nothing. Why do VCs act like this?

 

#9

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No, You Should Not Give Advisory Shares to Investors
No, You Should Not Give Advisory Shares to Investors

I'm going to be blunt. Angel investors or VCs asking for advisory shares as a condition of investment is not okay. Full stop.

 

#8

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Founders Never Forget
Founders Never Forget

It's been nearly 15 years since I founded DataHero. To this day, I viscerally remember how I was treated by each and every investor I met. All founders do.

 

#7

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Why Do Pre-Seed Investors Ask for Side Letters?
Why Do Pre-Seed Investors Ask for Side Letters?

I was recently asked by a founder to explain why early-stage VCs ask for side letters when investing using SAFEs. “Isn’t the point of a safe that it’s a standard agreement?”

 

#6

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Stop with the Fake FOMO
Stop with the Fake FOMO

Countless stories have been written about founders using FOMO to catalyze a fundraising process to stratospheric heights. What too many founders misunderstand is that FOMO only works when applied to a well-run fundraising process. It’s not a replacement for actual investor interest.

And it’s not something you can fake.

 

#5

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To Create More Canadian VCs, We Need More Canadian LPs
To Create More Canadian VCs, We Need More Canadian LPs

If we want to pour rocket fuel on Canadian tech, we need to make it easier for the next generation of Canadian investors to start their own funds.

 

#4

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What is Appropriate VC Diligence?
What is Appropriate VC Diligence?

Founders get a lot of VC diligence requests during fundraising. Here are 6 examples of appropriate VC diligence requests and 6 examples that should set off your alarm bells.

 

#3

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Why Market Matters Most to VCs
Why Market Matters Most to VCs

The uncomfortable truth is that the majority of startup ideas are fundamentally not a fit for VCs. And it’s because of the size of the market that they’re going after.

 

#2

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VC (Probably) Isn't Right for You
VC (Probably) Isn't Right for You

Monique Woodard of Cake Ventures, Marvin Liao of Diaspora Ventures, advisor Mike Sigal, Web Summit host Casey Lau and I recently met with startup founders across Scotland. The one topic we kept returning to? The fact that VC isn’t right for 99% of startups.

 

#1

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Why Aren't There More VCs in My City?
Why Aren't There More VCs in My City?

I’m very vocal about the fact that Canada is severely lacking in early-stage venture capital. Yet despite that, I don’t believe that we will see a sudden explosion of home grown venture capital firms. Nor should we want one.

Thanks for reading!

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See you in 2024! 🥳 🎉 🥂

 
Chris Neumann
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