In this episode of The Backchannel, we're diving into the role anxiety plays in fundraising, especially when it comes to warm introductions with investors. If you’ve ever hesitated to reach out to old contacts or second-guessed your follow-ups, this one's for you.

Jason unpacks the three stages where anxiety can creep in: identifying who to contact, crafting outreach messages, and handling follow-ups.

He offers practical tips to overcome these mental blocks and replace hesitation with confidence, making your outreach more effective and less stressful.

Tune in to learn how to reframe your mindset and make those vital connections without second-guessing yourself.

In this episode of The Backchannel, we’re talking about how VCs need to raise money too, not just startups.

We break down what it’s like for venture capitalists to get funding from limited partners (LPs) and why it’s not always easy, especially for smaller funds.

We also touch on how some VCs don’t put as much effort into fundraising as they expect from founders.

This episode serves as a way to remind everyone that, just like startups, VCs need to always be building relationships and raising money.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of awareness for founders, focusing on how to effectively create it.

We discuss different strategies to build visibility that feels genuine and impactful, rather than forced or overly targeted.

This episode serves as a reminder that it's all about positioning ourselves in a way that naturally draws in interest and makes us stand out for the right reasons.

This kind of awareness ultimately makes all the difference in how others perceive our business, especially when it matters most.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

VC signals can be tricky. A lot of them are deeply intertwined with social dynamics and can change investor interest in a matter of seconds.

In this episode, Jason shares a recent example of how fast negative signaling can impact a deal.

Listen to the full episode to learn about different types of VC signals and how you can use them to help you raise your round!

Welcome back to The Backchannel! In this episode, we're trying out a new format where we dive into your burning questions about how founders should navigate investor passes. Join Jason as he addresses the following questions:

- Should you send a follow-up email after a pass? How soon is too soon to follow up after an informal meeting?
- Is it appropriate to ask for feedback on why an investor passed?
- How soon do I follow up with an investor who seemed interested?

If you enjoy this format, let us know what other topics you'd like us to cover!

In this episode of The Backchannel, we delve into the commonly held belief that founders should send monthly investor newsletters. We revisit the idea from a previous episode focused on personal newsletters for VCs and discuss why monthly updates might not be the most effective way to maintain investor interest. Learn alternatives for more strategic and impactful investor communication techniques. Ideal for startup founders looking to optimize their fundraising strategies.

Welcome back to the Back Channel! Today, we're mixing things up. My producer Paige read an article from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute and wanted my take. They claim tech workers are flocking back to SF, with major companies still headquartered there, and a big chunk of AI investment dollars staying local. Although there's truth to that, I think the pandemic has opened doors for other cities. San Francisco is still important due to it's history and other specific reasons, but there are other places on the rise. Listen to the full episode to hear my take on the article!

In this episode of The Backchannel, we explore everything you should consider when figuring out how much you need to raise.

Jason delves into the common questions founders face regarding fundraising amounts, the importance of being goal-oriented, and the two key goals for raising funds.

Jason also stresses the importance of calculating the necessary funds to hit these milestones, rather than opting for smaller, seemingly easier amounts that could lead to a "bridge to nowhere."

Drawing from his mentor, Alan Patricof, the host underscores that investors seek meaningful progress, not just minimal survival.

The episode provides a clear framework to help founders determine how much they need to raise for their companies.

In this episode of The Backchannel, the host launches a new series called "How I Work," exploring strategies for productivity.

Jason delves into the challenges faced by founders, such as digital distractions, and shares his personal approach to combatting them.

By disconnecting from the internet during certain periods and utilizing a digital notepad like the remarkable device, he emphasizes the importance of carving out distraction-free time to boost productivity.

Join him as he shares insights and invites feedback on navigating the demands of entrepreneurship.

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In this episode of The Backchannel, the host emphasizes the critical role of third-party feedback in the fundraising process for entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on a recent interaction with a founder, the host describes how an initially chaotic business pitch was clarified and refined through his outsider's perspective.

This episode underscores the unique advantage of third-party insights, which strip away emotional biases and unnecessary details to highlight the core message that resonates.

The takeaway is clear: seeking external opinions on fundraising materials isn't just helpful; it's essential for success.

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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

In this episode, the host shares the power of personal newsletters for VC's, shedding light on investor psychology and fundraising strategies.

Drawing from anecdotes from his personal life and interactions with VC's, he highlights the importance of staying top of mind in the competitive landscape of deal flow.

By sharing stories of missed opportunities and the dynamics of VC interactions, he underscores the significance of personal branding through newsletters.

Ultimately, the episode offers a pro tip for VC's to leverage personal newsletters as a means to enhance deal flow and foster lasting connections while simultaneously teaching founders about investor psychology.

In this episode, our host covers the importance of having a technical co-founder for non-technical founders and how to go about finding one.

Venture capitalists seek teams with diverse skill sets, understanding that successful companies require both technical and non-technical expertise.

For non-technical founders, making progress and creating value without a technical product is key to attracting top talent.

By understanding the "why" and "how" of finding a technical co-founder, you'll be better equipped to build a strong co-founding team and drive towards success.

Join us as we explore the steps ahead in this journey!

In this episode of the Back Channel, we explore the importance of addressing competition during investor meetings.

Drawing on an analogy from the hosts undergrad economics class, he emphasizes the significance of positioning oneself confidently alongside competitors and calmly articulating one's unique value proposition.

Rather than avoiding the conversation, address the competition with calm confidence, focusing on your strengths and differentiation.

It's all about owning your narrative and demonstrating why your direction is superior.

In this episode of The Backchannel, host Jason Yeh delves into the world of junior VCs and their path to becoming venture capitalists.

Drawing from his own experience at Greycroft and the hiring processes, he emphasizes the significance of technical backgrounds, industry connections, and experience in fields like consulting or banking.

Venture capital firms prioritize hiring from networks with access to potential deals and founders, highlighting the importance of networking in this industry.

Ultimately, understanding these hiring practices provides valuable insights for aspiring venture capitalists.

Join Jason Yeh on The Back Channel as he demystifies thesis-driven firms. They may not be as rigid as you think!

Ever wondered why these firms love their theses? It's not just about focus; it's also a way to say "no" graciously when a deal doesn't spark joy.

Plus, it can also be used for flexibility! Some startups may not seem thesis-fit, but if you dig deeper, they'll find intriguing connections to make the deal work.

Don't be afraid to engage with thesis-driven firms. Look beyond the thesis, explore their portfolio, and you might discover hidden opportunities!

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As an entrepreneur, it is all too easy to lose yourself in your work. If you aren't careful, your entire life becomes consumed by it.

This is not to say you shouldn't be obsessed with the your company and the goals that you have for it.

But let it be a reminder that forcing yourself into burnout is not serving you or your company.

As a 3x founder himself, our host Jason Yeh dives into 3 things he does to maintain a sense of work/life balance.

If you are some who struggles to unplug from your work, give this episode a listen.

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What's the most important part of pitching your company to VCs?

Some think it's sharing the right numbers and statistics.

Others think it's about giving the investors a wealth of information about the company.

And then there's those who believe storytelling to be the key.

To be clear, I think all of these are important aspects of a pitch.

But theres something missing - emotion.

If you tell a story but have no emotional connection to it, it's just a story.

If you overload investors with information and numbers but they have nothing to connect it back to, it's just clutter.

In this episode I talk about the importance of connecting all aspects o your pitch through emotion.

If you can get an investor to feel the relief your product or service gives to it's customers AND then back it up with proof, chances are you've got a deal.

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Ever since chatGPT was released in November of 2022, there has been a flood of other AI platforms pulling from OpenAI's original technology.

That being said I was so curious to know what that means for venture capital firms funding these new AI companies, when it seemed like all the hard work was being done by OpenAI.

Why were investors pouring money into these AI startups that didn't seem to have defensible technology?

I wanted to hear from experts in the industry who could give me answers - so I made it happen.

A couple of months ago I hosted a fireside chat with Yohei Nakajima, GP of Untapped Capital and founder of BabyAGI and Sarah Catanzaro, GP at Amplify Partners.

They were able to answer all of my questions and more. In this episode, I sum up their answers and key takeaways for you to hear.

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The art of introductions is something heavily ignored when founders are learning how to start their fundraising process.

Truth is, intros are the lifeblood of a great fundraise.

There are many different components that go into making introductions, but today we'll be focusing specifically on forwardable emails.

While meant to simplify, intros often backfire - especially if you lack a process behind it. This episode will give you all of the basics surrounding forwardable emails like sequences of interactions, double opt-ins, connecting emails, and more.

Head to our website to find some real examples of what a forwardable email should look like: adamantventures.com

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Side letters are not only more complicated than they seem but dangerous to your fundraise if not properly managed.

Side letters, often accompanying standard agreements like safes, may seem harmless at first but can include onerous clauses like pro-rata rights.

In this episode Jason emphasizes the importance of early negotiation and proactive communication to safeguard founder interests.

Tune in to protect yourself from this common challenge in the fundraising world.

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Project management - an often overlooked and unsexy aspect of fundraising.

Contrary to the dramatic portrayals in movies, fundraising is essentially a series of repetitive and detailed tasks. While not brain surgery, these small actions demand attention and diligence.

While it might seem like project management is 'taking away' from more glamorous business pursuits it's actually the underpinnings that form the foundation for success.

Success in fundraising lies in effectively managing oneself and others throughout the process.

In this episode Jason discusses the importance of creating processes that set you up for success. If you tend to avoid project management, this ones for you.

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One of the most common dilemmas faced by founders in the fundraising world is the chicken and egg dynamic.

Much like the age-old question, founders often grapple with the challenge of needing investor interest to gain confidence and at the same time, requiring confidence to attract investor interest.

Truth is in order for an investor to be confident in you, you first have to be confident in yourself.

In this episode, Jason will be exploring how to implement a process in order to break free from this cycle of uncertainty and instead - create confidence from within.

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We’re back on post-money cap SAFEs talk!In the previous episode, we explained what it is and how it works within the fundraising process.

For this episode, Jason goes deeper as he illuminates a more specific topic: the anti-dilution provision within post-money cap SAFEs.

With the evolution of the fundraising and startup worlds, many things have changed, and the rounds raised by founders are tremendously affected.

This affects everyone in the process - both founders and investors.

Tune in with us as we examine the entirety of this process and how it affects your fundraising!

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Founders are often intimidated by some of the more complex fundraising concepts.

One of these is the concept of post-money cap SAFE.

Post-money cap SAFEs can get tricky for some founders, especially for first-timers.

In this episode, Jason dives a little deep into the dynamics of this concept, along with SAFEs in general, valuations, and how it all relates to the post-money cap SAFE.

Get your pens and prepare for this episode as we talk about specific examples and scenarios, concepts involved, and steps to take so you can better navigate your fundraising journey.

Oh, and this is only part 1. Make sure to tune in next week for the 2nd part on this topic!

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We all have stories we like to keep to ourselves for many reasons.

It’s uncomfortable to tell these stories because they may be a sign of weakness, a reminder of a terrible mistake, or that nobody would understand.

This is why many founders tend to adopt the “fake it til they make it” attitude.

This won’t work forever, though.

In this episode, Jason tells a couple of stories where a founder’s vulnerability was precisely what they needed to get their investors to understand them fully.

Tune in as we talk about what really goes into an investor’s mind when they hear about your problems, struggles, and mistakes.

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Entering the fundraising world is one heck of a journey - a big rollercoaster ride, to be exact.

You'll face endless ups and downs, and there will be times when you don’t know what to think or feel anymore.

In this episode, Jason dives into the rollercoaster that founders experience throughout their rounds.

Hear about the everyday things founders encounter when raising money, how they should deal with the never-ending change of emotions, and how you can stay above things.

If you need a push for confidence and validation right now, then this episode is for you. Tune in!

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Building decks is one of the most significant steps of preparing to fundraise.

Knowing what to include and how to deliver it is key to a successful deck.

Over time, people have used various tools to help them build their decks - but for Jason nothing beats this simple trick: note cards.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks about how note cards aid in the complicated deck-building process and how founders can take advantage of this tool.

Find out how note cards can greatly improve your deck and how your concepts can come together through their use. Stay tuned!

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Talking to investors can be gut-wrenching for founders, especially for first-timers.

The anxiety of going up to someone, asking for money, and promising returns can shake founders up and cause them to lose focus.

But it’s all about mindset.

Are you chasing, or are you the one being chased?

In this episode, Jason Yeh explains why embracing the concept of being chased is vital for founders when approaching investors.

Join us as we uncover the truth behind the chase mentality in fundraising and how you can communicate with your investors more effectively.

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Founders heavily live in "grind culture" - working long hours and setting aside various personal parts of their lives to achieve their career goals.

However, as we near the end of another year, it's important to remember that we all need a break.

Take this holiday season as an opportunity to reset your mind and make your journey exciting again.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks us through the importance of getting rest in the midst of working hard for your company.

He shares some stories about how taking breaks from pitch decks and fundraising actually helps you more than you think.So get cozy, clear your mind, and tune in with us as we end this year well-rested.

May your holidays be warm and joyous. Cheers!

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We all have to start from somewhere small, and venture capitalists are not an exception.

They aren't magically "experts" in the field and know every twist and turn - VCs undergo training like the rest of us.

In today's episode, Jason Yeh talks about what processes VCs go through to be considered experienced VCs who are looked up to in the industry.

He covers what such training means to founders who brave the battlegrounds of raising money and responding to feedback.

Tune in and discover the importance of knowing the different experiences VCs go through that molds them and their standards in deciding where to put their money.

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Did anybody say appetizers? We’re all in 🤤!

Appetizers are underrated and frequently overlooked, but they are no less important than the main course, don’t you think?

They get people excited and look forward to the next dish.

Appetizers are an excellent primer for what’s yet to come - the main course.

In today’s episode, Jason Yeh talks about the appetizer in fundraising: pitch decks.

Join us as Jason talks about overcoming the feeling of unworthiness when pitching, improving your decks, and attracting the best investors in your deal.

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Being a great entrepreneur is a commitment to continuous growth, learning, and experience.

There isn’t only one profile of a great entrepreneur - it can be anyone and anywhere.

One that might hold back success? Lack of resources.

In today’s episode, Jason Yeh talks us through the impact of having support structures and a solid network in one’s fundraising journey - and the absence of them as well.

We all have that potential or spark in us. But the harsh reality is that not everyone gets to turn that spark into a burning fire.

So what do we do then? Tune in as Jason discusses this challenge in the world of entrepreneurship.

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The key to creating a remarkable network and achieving a successful fundraise? Credibility.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks about credibility - how important and fragile it is when you are a founder looking for your investors.

With everything uncertain in the startup and fundraising world, credibility is one of the few things investors predictably rely on.

Tune in with this episode and find out stories about credibility, its importance, and how you can safeguard it!

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Getting constructive feedback from experienced investors has always been part of any founder’s journey.

When it comes to feedback, it’s vital that you accept this truth: your business is not for everyone, and that’s okay.

Some will like it, some might take time to see your vision, and some will immediately reject it.

In this episode, Jason Yeh talks about one of the most famous painful pieces of feedback that investors give founders: “This isn’t venture-backable.”

That feedback isn’t the end of the fundraising journey though. There are things to consider and actions to take before really deciding whether or not your business is venture-backable.

Don’t miss this episode and find out the truth behind that statement, how you should take it, and what actions you should follow up with.

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Now that the world is slowly emerging from the pandemic that transformed our lives over the past two years, it’s about time that things go back to normal.

Catching up in person, talking over coffee, meeting for dinner - it’s been a while, and a trip to Brazil for a live workshop reminded Jason why face-to-face is so important.

In this episode, Jason talks about the power of holding in-person meetings.

Despite the convenience that zoom meetings offer founders and investors, nothing beats the experience of sitting across the table from the person you’re talking to.

What can in-person meetings specifically bring to the table that long hours over zoom could never?

Tune in to this episode as Jason discusses his observations around the difference between online and in-person meetings.

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Prioritizing tasks during fundraising preparation is one of the essential things a founder must stay on top of.

A common struggle with this is starting to work on important fundraising tasks that don’t feel urgent.

In today’s episode, Jason talks about the Eisenhower matrix - a matrix that explains the different tasks you encounter, the struggle of prioritizing those tasks, and how you can deal with it all.

Discover the “danger zone” in the Eisenhower Matrix of fundraising preparation and what you can do to avoid it.

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Ever wonder what’s the first thing that comes to mind for investors when they see your deal?

Aside from curiosity, anxiety creeps up on them, too.

One of the biggest anxieties that cross investors' minds? “Why am I seeing this deal?”

Two things they’re considering - are they seeing your deal because it came from a good source… or are they seeing your deal because it was rejected by other investors.

In today’s episode, Jason gives us a peek inside the mind of investors - and how fundraisers could better understand this element of investor psychology.

Tune in and learn more about this investor anxiety and how you can leverage it in the best way possible!

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As founders, it’s normal to want to show investors that you are worth it - that you are an expert in your field and that your company means something.

This is the main reason why a lot of founders make the mistake of overcomplicating their pitch. You try to show the value of your company without realizing that there’s unnecessary complexity attached to it.

In today’s episode, Jason talks about why you should not be doing this.Find out what “pitch the circle” means, and how this relates to the way you deliver your pitch.

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Thesis-driven firms have been on the rise for the past few years.

These firms have a specific area of focus - one they use as a main driver for their marketing.

Because of this, some founders have a hard time in finding the “right” firm they’d want to invest in their business.

But did you know there's a dirty little secret behind these theses?In today’s episode, Jason reveals a secret behind thesis-driven firms - and what you can do with that information.

Find out this secret and get some actionable advice for your fundraising now!

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Introductions hold incredible power in the world of fundraising.

Pulling a good network together and getting to know new people takes effort and time. But you know what? It’s a hundred percent worth it.

You’ll find out why in this episode, where Jason breaks down the importance of introductions - both cold and warm, and how it basically forms the backbone of early-stage fundraising.

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Rejections. Passes. Declined proposals.

These things are inevitable in any fundraising story – so as early as possible, it’s best to prepare yourself for what’s to come.

Because no matter how hard you prepare and how much effort you exert, there will still be people looking at you with doubt and criticism.

In this episode, Jason tells the story of one of the most famous ‘pass’ stories ever, and how it affected the founder’s game plan in continuing forward with his journey.

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Everybody has their own timeline. Some succeed early on their journey, while others go on for so long that they feel that success is too far away.

But the thing in entrepreneurship is - you never know what to expect. Things might go your way at a very, very unexpected time.

In this episode, Jason shares one of the craziest, fastest fundraising rounds that happened right before his eyes - getting a signed term sheet within just 8 days.In this episode, Jason tells the story of one of the most famous ‘pass’ stories ever, and how it affected the founder’s game plan in continuing forward with his journey.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

Mastering your company’s narrative is one of the most vital things that you should have when starting any business. It’s what sets you apart from all the other competitors that are trying to solve the same problem as you do.

In the world of entrepreneurship, having strategies about what and how you tell your story is necessary so you can be sure that you will really reach your target audience in the best way possible.

In this episode, Jason talks about exactly that - what are these strategies, why do you need them, and how you are going to create them yourself.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

With all the social media platforms at our fingertips, everyone can stay updated about any and everything.

People consume content on social media on a daily basis - and as we know, individuals nowadays are heavily influenced by what they see online.

And as founders/fundraisers, you should definitely take advantage of this.

In this episode, Jason talks about why you should post and share your wins on social media, how it benefits you, and how even small actions can create a huge impact in your fundraising journey.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

Ever heard of a good drug?

And no, what I’m talking about is probably not what you’re thinking… it’s the fear of missing out.

In the eyes of founders and fundraisers, FOMO is a feeling you want potential investors to sense deeply.

Curious? Tune in to this episode and hear more about the benefits of using FOMO as a strategy in getting them on board with your company.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

Red flags are warnings that there’s possible danger ahead - so when you see one, it’s best to turn around and change your direction.

In fundraising, there are many red flags that investors look out for. We’ve already mentioned one of them in our past episodes: a company that is a solution looking for a problem.

In this episode, Jason elaborates on a specific red flag he commonly sees in startups, and how you can avoid falling into that trap.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

When should you start taking meetings with investors?

If you think you should wait until you’ve already started raising money to reach out, then you’ve got it quite wrong.

Ever heard of warm-up meetings? If not, then you’re in for a treat!

In this episode, Jason talks about the importance of getting introduced and talking to investors way before the start of your fundraising journey - and how your approach should look like.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

Adjusting to whichever investor you’re talking to is necessary to get the most out of any conversation. Understanding where they are coming from will help you know exactly what approach to use.

In the fundraising world, we all know that every single person is unique - people all have different mindsets, motivations, and end goals, all of which affect their decision-making process.

In this episode, Jason expands on the connection between selling and fundraising. Knowing what type of investor you’re talking to—and tailoring your approach accordingly—can help you succeed in your fundraising journey.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

Selling. Fundraising. Selling. Fundraising.

Are they related? What’s the connection? Is the knowledge of one a requirement for the other?

In today’s episode, Jason expounds on these two concepts, and how their dynamics work together in the world of fundraising. Look out for some helpful tips that you can apply to your own fundraising process.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

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Have you ever wondered how essential it is to put in a lot of energy and effort into a process?

We sometimes focus so much on our end goal that we tend to forget that the preparation required is equally as important, and sometimes even the highlight of the entire ride.

In this episode, let’s take a quick look at how important it is to focus on the entire process itself of fundraising, which, when done well, can be transformational for you as an entrepreneur.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

When you’re at the point of scheduling meetings with investors, that’s when you’re most likely to feel overwhelmed.

Should you categorize your investors? Who should you talk to first? What if you mess up? How do you know you are doing the right thing?

All these questions swamp your mind and all of a sudden, you now have tons of meetings to prepare for.

But worry not! In this episode, Jason lays out a critical tip that every fundraiser should know by heart, especially new ones, when it comes to investor meetings.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

There’s always a gray area when it comes to setting the valuation for a business during the fundraising process.

The big question is always… WHO?

Is it the fundraiser, the investor, or is it agreed between the two? What’s the basis? How is it determined?

In this episode, Jason shares his take on who should set the valuations and explains why he thinks that way.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

Mastering language has got to be one of the most important psychological tools anyone can utilize and benefit from - including and especially for fundraisers.

Speaking and understanding the same language of people you work with can work wonders when it comes to making connections and raising funds.

In this episode, Jason talks about the critical importance of learning your investors’ language and how vital it is for your process, especially if you want to win at the game of fundraising.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

One of the most vital processes before facing investors is building the perfect pitch deck.

There is a tough balance to find with decks.  You don’t want to be too short and  lack the information an investor needs to get excited. You also don’t want to be too long and overwhelm the reader with data.  

In this episode, Jason talks about pitch decks - particularly, his favorite part of it, appendices - and why it’s an important part of your pitch deck.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter