TBC: What I Learned Coaching HBS Founders on Fundraising
In this episode of The Back Channel, I reflect on a recent visit to Harvard Business School where I coached founders in Jeff Bussgang’s Launching Tech Ventures class. I break down one of the biggest fundraising mistakes I saw, how founders frame their problem space, and share advice on how to fix it.
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TBC: Data Rooms - What You Need to Know
There's a lot of talk about data rooms in the startup world - but a lot of founders struggle to understand what a data room actually is.
In today's episode, Jason discusses their purpose in validating a startup's pitch for investors.
On top of that, he explains when and how to share a data room effectively.
Founders, if you're even slightly confused around how to properly use your data room to help you get funded - watch this episode!
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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
TBC: Pitching VCs Through a Screen
In this episode, we're unraveling the mystery behind Zoom-based pitches – a critical skill in the post-March 2020 startup landscape.
Jason takes us on a journey, reminiscing about the pre-COVID days of in-person meetings, shaking hands, and engaging conversations.
Ever wondered why some pitches feel like a Broadway show while others are just a mundane PowerPoint affair?
Today, he shares the secret sauce: making your Zoom pitch more of a dialogue and less of a presentation.
Forget the monotony, inject life into your virtual pitches, and learn how to capture investors' attention authentically.
Make sure to give the full episode a listen. We'll see you next week on The Backchannel!
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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
TBC: Launch Before You're Ready
Slow and steady doesn't always win the race.
In this episode of The Backchannel, we dive into a unique perspective on startup success that's not just about fundraising but about building a thriving business.
Jason emphasizes the importance of launching your startup before you think you're ready.
Forget about striving for perfection—what you really need is to get something out there and start chatting with customers.
Find out how launching before your masterpiece is complete not only leads to a better product but also impresses investors.
Tune in to this episode to discover why taking the leap now can save you from a lot more trouble down the road.
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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
TBC: How to Grow Your Network FAST
In this episode of The Back Channel, we've got a cool fundraising hack for you.
Ever thought about hosting networking dinners to amp up your investor connections?
Sure you won't become best friends overnight, but these connections create a sense of mutual support for one another.
Plus, it might surprise you how similar the process of setting up a networking dinner is to setting up a fundraise.
If you're tired of feeling like you have no way of growing your network - this episode is for you.
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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
TBC: Importance of CRM Systems When Fundraising
One of the hard truths of fundraising is that most founders don't have nearly enough investors added to their target lists.
Some stop at 20, others even less.
In all reality, you should AT LEAST be targeting 100.
And if you're going to be targeting that many, one of the things you are going to need is a CRM system.
Having a database for tracking your communications is one of the best ways to run a tight process and stay organized when meeting with investors.
In this episode, Jason dives into the details of using CRM systems when going out to fundraise.
Give it a listen & look out for weekly insights around fundraising, brought to you by The Back Channel.
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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
TBC: Pre-seed vs. Seed - What's the difference?
Pre-seed vs. seed.
It seems there are more and more terms coming out, but no one fully knows what they mean.
My guess is even most investors don't actually know the difference.
Nevertheless, it's good to get an overall understanding of what the world of venture capital means by these two closely associated terms.
In this episode, Jason outlines the key differences between seed and pre-seed while also explaining how to answer this seemingly hard question from investors: "Are you raising seed or pre-seed?".
Give it a listen & look out for weekly insights around fundraising, brought to you by The Back Channel.
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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
TBC: How to Handle Investor Rejection
Rejection.
It's a fundamental part of the game, even for the biggest success stories like Airbnb.
Rejection is tough, but it's also a chance to learn.
Don't let it drag you down; build a packed calendar for pitches, boost your confidence, and remember that every "no" is a step closer to a "yes."
Rejection is your path to funding success. Believe it!
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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
TBC: Preparing to Fundraise in a Down Market
We are in new times.
Raising money has become harder than it used to be.
Impressing VCs has started to feel like it's impossible.
Because I work with founders on a daily basis, I know the struggle.
So, I made this episode where I'll be going over the top things to be prepared for before going out to raise.
Founders, it's time to take notes!
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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
TBC: Build Your Reputation First
A few months ago I had a fireside chat with a successful venture backed founder and friend of mine, Daniel Hatkoff.
I wanted to bring him on is because like myself, he has also gotten to wear both hats as a VC and founder, so he's got a ton of valuable information around raising venture capital.
During our chat there was this reoccurring theme of reputation, and how building his ultimately led to a successful $30M round for his company Pitzi.
In this episode, I go over the key takeaways from our conversation around building a great company and reputation. Tune in
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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
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