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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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.

A lot of people tend to forget that the pre-seed round in venture capital is still relatively new.

In today's episode, we talk about how the pre-seed round came about, and how it's changed since moving farther away from the bull markets back in 2020 and 2021.

One of those changes being the need for investors to see traction earlier and earlier before investing.

Make sure to watch the full episode to hear all the insights around pre-seed rounds!

Have you ever heard of the quote "The safest way to get what you want is to deserve what you want"?

It was said by the legendary investor Charlie Munger, and in todays episode we're going to talk about how you can apply that same understanding to fundraising as a startup founder.

Get ready to listen along and ask yourself to answer hard truths about yourself and your company.

See you next week on The Backchannel!

Hello & welcome back to The Backchannel!

Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overshadowed in the frenzy of fundraising: whether or not to announce your round.

Drawing from the hosts own experiences and observations, he'll guide you through some of the complexities involved in making this decision.

Join us as we dissect the strategic implications and weigh the pros and cons, offering practical insights for founders charting their course in the startup landscape.

See you next week!

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The truth is - most first-time fundraisers underestimate all that goes into fundraising and the support you need to make it through.

In this episode, Jason touches on 7 different emotional and tactical forms of support every founder should be aware of before jumping into a fundraise.

Make sure to watch the full episode so you don't miss any!

See you next week on The Backchannel.

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In this episode of The Backchannel, the host delves into the intricacies of lead investors versus co-leads, breaking down the key distinctions and red flags to watch out for.

Learn why securing a dedicated lead investor holds paramount importance in navigating the complexities of fundraising, and gain valuable insights into the potential pitfalls of co-lead arrangements.

Tune in for an informative exploration of investment dynamics and strategic considerations to think about before considering getting a co-lead. See you next week!

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Join us in this episode for an insightful discussion on pattern recognition in venture capital and its impact on underrepresented founders.

The host dives into the power dynamics of pattern matching, exploring how VCs use this tool to make investment decisions while shedding light on its potential biases.

From the imprecision of pattern recognition to strategies for overcoming its limitations, this episode offers practical insights for both founders and investors.

Listen in for a solid conversation on leveling the playing field in startup funding.

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In this episode, the host tackles a common yet often misunderstood slide in pitch decks: the "use of funds" slide.

Many founders include it because they've heard it's necessary, but often it ends up being a vague waste of space.

Instead, use this slide strategically to outline where you are today, your future goals, and how the allocated funds will be specifically utilized.

By anchoring it in concrete objectives and clear allocation, you not only inform investors but also demonstrate a thoughtful plan for executing with the capital raised.

So, next time you're crafting a use of funds slide, ensure it serves a purpose and isn't just a filler in your deck!

In this episode of the Back Channel, Jason shares a fresh approach to email communication that's both personal and impactful.

Learn how to craft emails with a punchy, genuine tone while including a business-focused appendix for all the important details.

Say goodbye to lengthy, synthetic emails and hello to increased response rates.

Listen and discover the power of the email appendix and revolutionize your communication style!

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In this episode of The Back Channel, we delve into a crucial post-fundraising topic: choosing service providers for your startup.

While it may seem mundane, the decision-making process can greatly impact your business.

Key takeaways include filtering for providers with startup expertise, considering the additional value they offer beyond their core services, and trusting your instincts about the working relationship.

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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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In this episode, Jason shares a conversation with a founder who recently raised capital but had to close their startup.

First-time founders, remember that every setback is a chance to improve. Closing a startup isn't the end; it's a chance to evolve.

Once you've felt the grind and tasted success and failure, your perspective changes. You gain insights you can't find in books or tweets.

It's also important to note that venture capitalists value founders who've been through the startup rollercoaster. Understanding the ups and downs is what sets you apart.

Share this episode with fellow founders or friends on going through a tough time with their startup.

Embrace the learning process - see you next week!

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Ever wondered why your startup story and pitch deck need to be razor-sharp?

Sure, you want to impress investors, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Host Jason Yeh dives into the secret sauce of crafting a compelling narrative that not only wows investors but also ensures your story gets shared effectively.

In this episode:

💡 Discover the critical importance of a concise story that grabs attention

💡 Learn why your pitch deck is more than just a visual aid—it's your investor's roadmap.

💡 Uncover the hidden power of making your story easy to share, especially in firms with multiple decision-makers

Ready to be convinced to tighten up your pitch?

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In this episode, we explore the wisdom behind reconnecting with investors who previously passed on your pitch.

Remember, investor passes aren't personal; they often stem from timing or fit issues.

Before reconnecting, update your narrative with progress highlights.

When reaching out, exude confidence without begging.

Showcase your growth, increasing investor interest, and upcoming fundraising round.

These reconnections aren't just about securing funding; they're opportunities to refine your pitch and bolster credibility.

Ready to reconnect and ace that pitch?

Go ahead and give this episode a listen!

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In this Backchannel episode, Jason tackles a familiar trap for founders: productive procrastination!

From fixing pages to creating automations, it's easy to get caught up in tasks that feel productive but aren't top priorities for fundraising.

I get it, working on things you enjoy is crucial, but as a founder, your plate's overflowing.

Listen to this episode to hear Jason's insights on how to distinguish between enjoyable distractions and high-leverage tasks that drive real progress.

Prioritize your focus and avoid falling into the "builder's trap"!

Keep building, but build smart!

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Have you ever compared fundraising with real estate?

Once you do, you'll be shocked by their similarities.

In today's episode, Jason gives a real life example of how he discovered just how similar they are.

While having to find a new renter for his home, he realized how he still needed to build momentum, keep options open, and communicate the value of the property in a way that grasped others attention.

He even learned the lesson of not getting too ahead of yourself, and to keep running a process until the papers are signed.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the similarities between fundraising and real estate and how you can use this analogy yo help your fundraise.

See you next week on The Backchannel!

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For a topic that seems to be "cliche", it sure is important. What if we were to tell you that getting support around your fundraise is one of the best ways to guarantee success? As founders, you are automatically biased toward your own product. That means you are also biased toward your pitch, deck, and any other materials you might share with an investor. In this episode, Jason dives into 3 areas of fundraising you should be getting support around, and why it's so important. See you guys next week on The Backchannel!

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Who should be the one to pitch - the CEO or the outgoing salesman?

In today's episode of The Backchannel, Jason explains why he believes the CEO should always be the one pitching to investors.

Although there might be a few exceptions, investors are looking to get to know the person who is running the ship and making the big decisions.

A salesman sells the vision, the CEO is the one who executes on it.

Remember: investors bet on the jockey, not just the horse.

See you next week!

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In this Back Channel episode, we're diving into the elusive "money round" investors adore.

So what is it?

To sum it up, the "money round" is the round before a valuation spike.

Investors are searching for crystal-clear milestones and confident execution that screams, "Next round, here we come!"

How do you do that?

Make sure to watch the full episode where Jason dives into the details.

See you next week!

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Working with founders it's safe to say Jason has seen a lot of pitches, good and bad.

Not to mention he himself has pitched quite a bit in his past as a VC-backed founder.

In that time, he's learned what to do and not to do.‍

In this episode, Jason gives some practical tips around how to make the most of your pitch for a pitch competition.

Enjoy the episode!‍

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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