THANK YOU
Paul GrahamChris Dixon
Our Advisors & Investors
My fellow co-founders – Sourabh & Mayukh
Be in fundraising mode or not.
The best time to start fundraising was Yesterday.
Get Things in Order. Founders’ equity and vesting to begin
with.
CEO’s Job = Fundraising.When not Fundraising, he must be Hiring.
Underestimate how much you need. 2X Need = Your want.
Get introductions to investors, ideal investors.
Don’t get Friend-zoned.Hear no or Hear yes.
Interest ≠ Offer.Offer ≠ Closure.
Yes in networking/email = Interest Signed Term Sheet = Offer.
Money in the Bank = Closure.
Memorize your term sheet.Make Notes.
No Question is Stupid. You’ll be surprised.
99.137% of the world doesn’t understand convertible notes.
Join the Club.
Get a successful 1st gen entrepreneur to help you in negotiation.
<you can’t afford a lawyer anyway>
Prioritize non-negotiables. You can’t have it all.
Get the first commitment.
Close committed money.
Accept offers greedily.
Acceptable Offer – Take it. Incompatible Offers – Pick the Best‘Expecting A Better Offer’ – Wake Up!
No Offer – Get Back to Work
Avoid adjectives – ‘Smart’ Money, ‘Impact’ Money.* Money = Money + Vision Fit
*exceptions apply.
Avoid investors who don't "lead.”*
*exceptions apply.
Don't be stuck at valuation.Don't be stuck at valuation.
Keep Communicating with Investors post Term Sheet.EVERY DAYEVERY DAY
EVERY DAY
Fundraising is a Milestone, not an Achievement.
Achievement = Traction, Revenues.