One of the more difficult aspects of running a newly formed startup is trying to figure out how to raise capital. Whether it is trying to get in touch with a VC for the first-time or figuring out what to do for your pitch, it can be a challenge.
One recurring question we ask for The VentureFizz Podcast is "What advice can you give to first-time founders for raising capital?" We've compiled some great advice and tips from previous podcast guests to help you overcome this obstacle.
Pat Kinsel, Co-Founder and CEO of Notarize
“When raising money, you have to really believe in what you are trying to accomplish. Think about what you need to get it done, or you won’t sound credible.”
Click here to listen to Episode 68 with Pat Kinsel
Also, Notarize is hiring! Click here for all of the company's job openings!
Sarah Hodges, Partner at Pillar
“This is a long-term relationship. Invest in figuring out what firms are making investments in your category and which partners are passionate about what you are building.”
Click here to listen to Episode 87 with Sarah Hodges
Jules Pieri, Co-Founder & CEO at The Grommet
“I would get out of your comfort zone of - being sure of what you can deliver what you are promising - because that is not the expectation of an investor. Their expectation is that you’ll keep pushing hard and pivot, and readjust to get there. But your initial plan is probably not going to be the real plan.”
Click here to listen to Episode 56 with Jules Pieri
Also, The Grommet is hiring! Click here for all of the company's job openings
Richard Dulude, Co-Founder and Partner at Underscore.VC
“I think if you’re coming into a pitch meeting, it’s great to bring in your whole team. You can learn so much more and prevent multiple meetings by having the key members of your team with you there because nobody builds a company by themselves.”
Click here to listen to Episode 81 with Richard Dulude
Justin Robinson, Co-Founder & SVP of New Business at Drizly
“My advice for any first-time founder is to gain traction and money before you start talking to people. We were advised early on to not join an accelerator and focus on building the business, and we didn’t have any initial conversations with venture capitalists until we hit $10,000 and we had some press about us.”
Click here to listen to Episode 43 with Justin Robinson
Also, Drizly is hiring! Click here for all of the company's job openings
Rick Grinnell, Founder and Managing Partner at Glasswing Ventures
“Step one is - how do you sell the investment opportunity and obviously you get points for finding your way to us is a warm introduction. Finding someone who we’ve worked with in the past, finding someone that’s part of our portfolio, or even finding someone that’s connected to me on LinkedIn. Getting the introduction to me is better than a cold email.”
Click here to listen to Episode 33 with Rick Grinnell
Andy Palmer, Angel Investor and Founder & CEO of Tamr
“If you raise less money in your early days and focus your time, energy and attention on your customers, that is just a better use of time. I see a lot of young entrepreneurs getting distracted by the fundraising because they see it as an end, but it really isn’t. If you do, then the investors are going to expect you to do great things with your customers, so why not just start with the customers and build a great business because there will be plenty of money that will come your way.”
Click here to listen to Episode 22 with Andy Palmer
Also, Tamr is hiring! Click here for all of the company's job openings
Eric Horndhal, Co-Founder & CEO of Renoviso
“The narrative and the storytelling is incredibly important [to your pitch]. We practiced our pitch in front of other entrepreneurs that we knew in our network and got feedback before we went in to pitch to investors.”
Click here to listen to Episode 40 with Eric Horndhal
Also, Renoviso is hiring! Click here for all the company's job openings
Colin Barry is the Content Manager on VentureFizz. Follow him on Twitter @ColinKrash