All the Small Things
As with many things in life, the little things can have far more of an impact on your success when fundraising than you might expect. Here are four small things that won't win you a new investor, but could potentially lose you one.
"What if Google Builds It?" is No Longer a Bullshit Question
In a world of generative AI and LLMs, “What if Google builds it?” is no longer a bullshit question for investors to ask founders.
Canadian Founders Need to Go to SF. Now.
Right now is a unique moment in time for both San Francisco and tech in general. And it’s one that likely won’t last long.
How to Get a VC to See Past Your Resume
How do you convince a VC that your founding team is capable of excelling in areas where you have no relevant experience?
Anatomy of a VC AGM
What is a VC AGM and what do VCs tell their investors behind closed doors?
If I Had a (100) Million Dollars 🎵
In venture capital, “portfolio construction” refers to how a fund “spends” (invests) its capital. Let's examine the variables at play when a VC decides what to do "If I Had a (Hundred) Million Dollars".
The Adrenaline of VC Deal Flow
What happens to VC behavior when the adrenaline of deal flow runs out?
How Needy Are VCs?
How often to VCs really want to hear from founders? And how do they prefer to communicate with them?
What Cooking Can Teach You About Fundraising
Here are 6 things cooking can teach you about fundraising.
How to Write for Success
Learning to put your best foot forward in writing is one of the most significant ways to increase your fundraising success.
Find Your Recharge
Startups are a marathon, not a sprint. Long-term success requires you to pace yourself. It’s essential that you uncover the things that deplete your energy and what you need to replenish it. You need to find your recharge.
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.
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.
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.
Don't Talk to Your Competitors' Investors
One question many startup founders have is whether or not they should pitch VCs who have invested in their competitors.