TBC: Can You Pitch a Big Vision?
In this episode of The Back Channel, we talk about the pressure founders feel to pitch a massive vision — and what actually makes that land with investors. VCs need to believe in billion-dollar outcomes, but that doesn’t mean you should throw out the biggest idea you can think of. Credibility, traction, and storytelling all shape how your vision is received. We also revisit the Airbnb pitch and why their big thinking worked — and how yours can too.
Latest Episodes -
Check out our latest chats with awesome founders.
TBC: The Rollercoaster of Fundraising
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!
----------
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
TBC: Deck-Building: Note Cards
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!
----------
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
TBC: Chase or Be Chased?
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.
----------
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
TBC: Rest
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!
----------
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
TBC: How VCs are Trained
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.
----------
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
TBC: The Ability to Be Great is Everywhere but Resources are Not
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.
----------
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
TBC: Decks as Appetizers
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.
----------
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
TBC: The Importance And Fragility Of Credibility
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!
----------
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
TBC: Explaining "this isn't venture-backable"
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.
----------
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
Featured Episodes -
