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In this episode of The Backchannel, we talk about handling the pressure of investor pitches.
Many founders feel anxious about facing tough questions from investors, but it’s important to understand that these questions often come from genuine interest, not an attempt to catch you off guard.
We explore why investors ask challenging questions and how to reframe them as opportunities.
We also touch on how your existing knowledge and experience can help you confidently navigate these conversations, even when you don’t have every answer.
The key takeaway: it’s a conversation, not an interrogation.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
After bootstrapping her company for months, Teasha Cable, founder and CEO of CModel decided it was time to raise. But early on, the rejections came in hard. Instead of giving up or getting offended, she learned from each rejection, tweaked her approach, and started executing on what investors wanted to see.
After a lot of trial and error, she locked down a lead investor in the Alabama Futures Fund that ended up leading her to close a $1M seed round in a not-so-easy market.But even then, it took six more months of grinding to fully close the round. That persistence, though, wasn’t something new for her. In this episode you'll hear the story behind how she became the entpreneur we see today, and how she closed her $1M seed round for CModel.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
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In this episode of The Backchannel, we explore the different types of angel investors you’re likely to encounter early on in your startup journey.
We dive into the factors that define these investors—ranging from their wealth to their level of sophistication—and how their motivations shape their involvement.
Whether you’re seeking strategic support or just looking to raise capital, understanding these dynamics can help you navigate which angels to bring on board and which ones to avoid.
Listen in to learn how to approach angel investors and align with their expectations.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, we explore the ins and outs of valuation caps and uncapped SAFEs.
Many founders toss around terms like valuation caps without fully understanding their impact, and we’re here to break it down.
We’ll dive into why some investors and founders are drawn to uncapped SAFEs, the potential risks involved, and when this type of funding structure might actually make sense.
Tune in to learn why this approach can be tricky for both sides and how to navigate these waters with more confidence.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Back Channel, Jason tackles the often misunderstood concept of valuation caps in fundraising.
He walks through what a valuation cap is, how it works, and its role in SAFE agreements and convertible notes.
Jason explains how these caps affect the conversion of investments into equity during future funding rounds, and covers the difference between pre-money and post-money valuation caps.
The goal is to help founders better grasp the math behind the numbers, so they can navigate their fundraising with more clarity and confidence.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
Entrepreneurship is unpredictable—just when you think you’ve got it all mapped out, you're hit with a tough choice between two very different paths.
One feels safe and familiar, while the other is full of potential, uncertainty, and risk. Every founder faces that pivotal moment: Do you play it safe, or take the leap?
Today’s guest, Michael Diesu, co-founder and CEO of Revenue Roll, knows this dilemma all too well. From diving headfirst into the startup world against conventional advice to navigating a cooling fundraising market, he's made those tough calls more than once.
RevenueRoll recently raised a $2.5M seed round led by Innovating Capital in late 2023—an impressive feat in one of the toughest fundraising climates in years.
In this episode, we dive into Michael's journey, unpack his big wins, hard-learned lessons, and get an inside look at how he closed that seed round.
But first, we rewind to the early days—because those initial decisions? They set the stage for everything that follows.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, we revisit a fundamental topic that every founder should understand: post-money cap SAFEs and their implications.
Starting with a refresher on the basics of post-money versus pre-money valuations, the discussion then moves into how these financial instruments impact founder ownership and why they can be tricky.
Listeners will gain insights into the dynamics of post-money caps, particularly the hidden complexities that can affect a company’s valuation during fundraising.
Whether you’re a new founder or just need a refresher, this episode sheds light on the often misunderstood aspects of post-money caps and offers practical advice for navigating them.
Listen in to better understand how to protect your stake in your company.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason dives into one of the most overlooked yet essential tasks in fundraising: building your target investor list.
He breaks down why so many founders avoid this work—it’s time-consuming, tedious, and can be confusing. But also emphasizes its importance and offers a step-by-step guide on how to tackle it effectively.
From researching top-down and bottoms-up investor lists to mapping out connections and crafting the right emails, Jason covers it all. He also shares tips on how to stay organized and maintain momentum throughout the process.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by the idea of reaching out to investors or just need a solid strategy, this episode has the actionable advice you need to get started.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
Fundraising can be both the most aggravating and comforting part of a founder’s journey. It only takes one “yes” to change everything, but getting there often means facing a mountain of “no’s.” Not every founder has the resilience to push through the rejection, but those who do often find success right when they’re ready to give up.
In today’s episode, I chat with Christal Wang, co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, the top ADHD coaching platform for adults. Christal shares her journey from YC to closing a successful pre-seed round, and how she navigated the challenges of raising a $2.2M seed round after a major pivot. We dive into the emotional toll of fundraising, the importance of perseverance, and how a single “yes” can make every rejection worthwhile.
Plus, we discovered we had quite similar childhoods along the way.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, we dive into a topic that’s been on a lot of founders’ minds: the difference between pre-seed and seed rounds in today’s shifting market.
We explain how the definitions and expectations for these funding stages have evolved, especially after the wild fluctuations caused by events like ZIRP and the SVB collapse.
We break down what VCs are now looking for in pre-seed deals and seed deals in the current market.
We also address common questions, like whether you can use the same pitch deck for both rounds and the role of institutional investors in pre-seed funding.
Listen to the full episode to hear more!
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, the focus is on the critical role deadlines play in successful fundraising efforts. Deadlines can create a sense of scarcity and urgency, helping founders manage and control the fundraising process more effectively. By setting clear deadlines for meetings and feedback, founders can signal to investors that there are other interested parties and maintain a balance of power. Additionally, using deadlines tactfully, combining firmness with politeness, ensures they are respected without appearing overly aggressive. Deadlines also help investors prioritize opportunities, ultimately benefiting both parties. Applying the concept of deadlines beyond fundraising can improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode, we explore the realities of fundraising with Orri Bogdan, Founder and CEO of VAE Labs.
Like many founders before him, Orri’s journey to raising a $2M seed round was fraught with challenges. From losing co-founders to product failures and numerous rejections from VCs, Orri faced it all.
Yet, he persevered by immersing himself in founder communities, forging connections, and eventually securing funding from Draper Associates.
Orri’s story is a testament to the grit and determination required to succeed in the startup world. Before we hear Orri’s inspiring story of resilience and success, we’ll explore what led him to become the determined founder he is today.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Back Channel, we explore a critical topic for founders: showcasing traction to VCs.
Jason does another mailbag answering questions submitted by founders worldwide, exploring topics like how macroeconomic conditions impact investor targets, the importance of presenting meaningful metrics, and strategies for highlighting your unique traction.
We also discuss key red flags to avoid and tips on effectively presenting growth without setting unrealistic expectations.
Listen in for actionable insights and advice to enhance your fundraising efforts!
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, we revisit a popular topic among founders: how to create efficient fundraising processes.
We address several questions submitted by founders, exploring various aspects of the fundraising journey.
Our discussion covers strategies for improving investor outreach, managing communications, and maintaining momentum throughout the process.
We also touch on common challenges founders face and offer general advice on approaching investor interactions.
This Q&A format allows us to provide targeted insights on the specific concerns many founders have when it comes to fundraising efficiently.
If you have questions for us that you want answered in a future episode, make sure to send us an email or shoot us a DM on any of our socials!
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode, we sit down with Coco Brown, founder of Athena Alliance, to discuss her journey of transforming a nonprofit into a venture-backed enterprise and successfully raising $2.5M in funding.
Coco shares her experience with the challenging fundraising climate of 2023 and how she navigated countless investor rejections.
She talks about the pivotal moment when one investor’s commitment turned things around and how that single yes sparked a wave of support.
We explore her strategies for capital efficiency, the importance of community, and the innovative approaches she took to secure funding.
Listeners will gain insights into the realities of raising capital, the power of perseverance, and the impact of having a strong network.
Coco's story is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to succeed in the startup world.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode, we're tackling an important startup scenario: unexpected VC interest.
We'll be answering a question Jason received from a founder who received an out-of-the-blue email from an investor.
We'll also some practical tips on how to handle these situations smoothly, including ways to maintain control of the conversation and your timeline, the benefits of not immediately jumping into fundraising mode, how to research potential investors, and what to prepare (spoiler: less than you might think) for initial meetings.
Plus, we'll give you some pointers on transitioning from casual chats to formal fundraising when you're ready.
Whether you're new to the startup world or a seasoned pro, this episode has some valuable insights you can put to use.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Back Channel, we dive into five thought-provoking strategies to elevate your fundraising game while challenging existing advice.
We explore concepts like pitch deck templates, riskiness of your idea, seeking rejection, tiering investors, and fundraising preparation.
Join us as we challenge norms and empower you to refine your fundraising tactics effectively.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
A lot of entrepreneurs take risks when they're young and have nothing to lose. For others, it's a different story. Maybe they found their dream job, started a family, bought a house, and then something happens that completely throws them off course.
Today's guest was one of those people. After an unexpected situation, he decided to take a chance and start a company he saw an opportunity for back at his previous job in AI. It ended up being a good chance to take...
Today we're speaking with Brian Raymond, first time founder and CEO of Unstructured IO, a company that's connecting enterprise data to LLMs. And we have to say... his story is wild.
In 2 years, Brian's managed to raise $65 million dollars in venture capital across three rounds. The most recent of those being a $40M Series B led by Menlo Ventures.
Brians journey into entrepreneurship was unique, but also one I think a lot of you listening will be able to relate to.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, the focus is on why intelligent individuals often struggle with pitching to investors.
The discussion includes the common pitfalls such as overemphasizing data, battling imposter syndrome, and the tendency to overcomplicate pitches to prove intelligence.
The importance of simplicity, emotional connection, and embracing rejection as part of the fundraising process is also highlighted.
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and strategies for intelligent founders to improve their pitching skills.
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com -
In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason answers 5 questions submitted by founders about pitch decks and pitching strategies.
During the episode, he highlights the importance of simplicity and clarity in both deck design and delivery.
Jason also discusses balancing design and content, conveying a compelling vision, and avoiding information overload.On top of that he also touches on effective communication in short pitches and the strategic use of competition slides.
Make sure to listen to hear his full answers!
--If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com - Visa fler