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Expert support to fundraise the right way
A training program & community to help:
Construct a narrative that excites VCs
Launch a fundraise that closes quickly
Make connections that enhance your network
Get feedback & support from the community
Luke O’Brien
Founder & CEO of Journey
Shannon Davenport
Founder & CEO of Esker Beauty
I failed without a process.
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When I started my last fundraise I wanted to show my co-founders I could get it done super quickly. I talked to my 5 closest investor contacts assuming the money would start coming in.
I was wrong.
I found out the hard way that EVERYONE needs momentum to fundraise no matter what your background. If you don't have it, the ONLY way to build it is through a process.
I learned how to build momentum through a process and so can you.
To successfully fundraise, I reached out to mentors in the ecosystem to learn how to construct a killer process. It took weeks, but the result was epic - an amazing fundraise AND the basis for my teaching in Adamant Fundraising which I'm excited to share with you now.
- Jason, Founder and Instructor
A better approach to fundraising
2 months into my work on fundraising education, it clicked for me.
Instead of learning what set of slides, what presentation techniques, or what cold outreach tactics would help you chase down investors like common sales targets ...it was about flipping that around.
I believe fundraising is all about demonstrating you're a great bet, and then executing a process with effective preparation and impactful communication to help investors discover that.
It's about learning the simple things that YOU can do to help get out of your own way.
Let's prepare to fundraise the right way, together.
- Jason, Founder and Instructor
Do I really think I can make you better at fundraising?
Honestly? Yes I do.
I've dedicated a lot to be great at this. Here's the story.
Right before my last startup sold, my co-founder Tim and I were talking about what was next. I honestly had no idea. After 5 grueling years running 2 venture-backed startups with multiple pivots, I was unsure of myself.
Having been a founder, I didn't know how I could work at a company again but lacked confidence that I had any expertise to build another business.
Tim asked, “What about fundraising? You’re great at that.”
While I knew the game from my days as a VC and had successfully closed millions from top tier investors, my immediate reaction was “Yeah maybe…but no one needs that help. Also, a lot of people know how to do it already.”
Tim’s response?
“No way, dude. Tons of people need this help and it’s impossible for most people.”
Even with Tim's vote of confidence. I didn't think there was enough to make it a business.
So, I put the fundraising idea aside and instead I started building a small software product...
But on the side...
With some throwaway time, I did decide to spend time refining my own approach to fundraising. I thought deeply about why my approach had worked and brainstormed ways to teach others.
But it wasn't a business. It was more of a hobby. Something to build back my confidence working on something I knew I was good at and a way to help people on the side.
Documenting the process
The first thing I did was put my thoughts down on paper. I mapped out all the moving parts of a fundraise.
It was a time consuming process and the video to the left was only one of the sessions!
You'll notice my use of notecards...an effective tool I recommend even in my course (you'll hear more about that later).
Do I really think I can make you better at fundraising?
Honestly? Yes I do.
I've dedicated a lot to be great at this. Here's the story.
Right before my last startup sold, my co-founder Tim and I were talking about what was next. I honestly had no idea. After 5 grueling years running 2 venture-backed startups with multiple pivots, I was unsure of myself.
Having been a founder, I didn't know how I could work at a company again but lacked confidence that I had any expertise to build another business.
Tim asked, “What about fundraising? You’re great at that.”
While I knew the game from my days as a VC and had successfully closed millions from top tier investors, my immediate reaction was “Yeah maybe…but no one needs that help. Also, a lot of people know how to do it already.”
Tim’s response?
“No way, dude. Tons of people need this help and it’s impossible for most people.”
Even with Tim's vote of confidence. I didn't think there was enough to make it a business.
So, I put the fundraising idea aside and instead I started building a small software product...
But on the side...
With some throwaway time, I did decide to spend time refining my own approach to fundraising. I thought deeply about why my approach had worked and brainstormed ways to teach others.
But it wasn't a business. It was more of a hobby. Something to build back my confidence working on something I knew I was good at and a way to help people on the side.
Documenting the process
The first thing I did was put my thoughts down on paper. I mapped out all the moving parts of a fundraise.
It was a time consuming process and the video to the left was only one of the sessions!
You'll notice my use of notecards...an effective tool I recommend even in my course (you'll hear more about that later).
The GRIND (creating, iterating, refining)
After building momentum, I wanted to start helping founders and get feedback on what could be improved. That meant producing free products that would help founders stay organized and embrace important concepts. I learned SO much from this...
Finally... MY PROGRAM.
After releasing multiple free tools, launching a newslet, and publishing dozens of frameworks, I partnered with Silicon Valley Bank to design a fundraising program based on my philosophies initially called Fundraise with Confidence (FWC).
After 10 cohorts of the live-only FWC program and 100s of millions raised, we saw an opportunity to meet more founders where they were with the perfect mix of live and self-guided support.
Thus, Adamant Fundraising was born: an all-in-one program and community designed to support the next generation of venture-backed founders.
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Rafael Balbi
Founder & CEO of Underwriter
Perry Griffith
Founder & CEO of Cortado
Rish Singh
Founder & CEO of Gradly
Larissa Licha
Founder & CEO of Joyn
Nicolas Peluffo
Founder & CEO of TRVLR
Shannon Davenport
Founder & CEO of Esker Beauty
What to expect
FIRST, LEARN & LEARN FAST:
Run through 7 modules to advance your grasp of what elite fundraising is...
We follow a 7 module course and incorporate exercises / homework so that you learn and PRODUCE.
MODULE 1
Building a Foundation for Fundraising
To start your preparation, you need to prepare a strong base. That means adjusting how you think about yourself, your business, and your fundraise.
The base also includes work like awareness and list building that greases the wheels for your work in future modules.
MODULE 2
Understanding Investors
To be a great salesperson, you have to understand the mind of the buyer. In fundraising, it's the mind of the investor.
Here you focus on what makes investors tick so that you can start crafting effective communications that influence.
MODULE 3
Targeting Investors with Tools & Technology
You've heard about investor lists. But how do you actually make them. And once you get a list, how do you use them?
In this module, you'll find out ways to use technology and process to your advantage to build a list that you can leverage for a strong fundraise.
MODULE 4
Narrative, Deck & Pitch
For most founders, the deck is all they know about fundraising.
You on the other hand will have a full module of work to leverage in building a killer narrative, deck & pitch - one that influences investors and causes them to LEAN IN.
You also will have an opportunity to practice this new pitch or get feedback on your deck during our monthly pitch practice and deck teardown events.
MODULE 5
Communicating with Investors
You can have the best deck or pitch in the world. But none of that will matter if you can't land a meeting.
In this module, you will learn all about email communication with investors and prepare the emails you need to run a smooth process before and after investor meetings.
MODULE 6
Preparing for the Process
At this point in the course, you'll start being pushed to put the final touches on your process.
In this module you'll learn the keys to calendar density, setting up intros, preparing your data room, and more.
MODULE 7
Closing Your Process
With the majority of your prep behind you, now is the time to organize the launch of a process.
In this module you'll learn how to drive your fundraise to a close while also overviewing SAFEs and valuations, and what to do post term-sheet.
THEN, JOIN A TEAM:
As they say, it takes a village. Luckily, we've recruited one for you
We've collected an amazing set of founders, mentors and trained team members to make this the best community for anyone building and thinking about raising capital.
From deck feedback, to pitch practice, to expert advice, and just plain emotional support, the Adamant Founder community is the X-factor in making sure you have what it takes to execute a best-in-class fundraise.
It takes a village!
Demian Borba
Founder & CEO of Pactto
Who is this for?
This may sound like you:
"I'm not sure how to connect with the right investors."
Everyone says I need to build a list of investors. But who...and how?
"I raised money but it was painful. There has to be a better way next time..."
I barely got my last raise done. I wasted so much time and felt uncertain the whole time. I want to do it better and with supportive people around me.
"I don't know why my pitch isn't landing with investors."
There's a big opportunity here - I know it! But my deck isn't leading to many meetings and the response to my pitch isn't very positive.
"I want to do the best that I can with this fundraise!"
I know what I know and I know what I don't know. I want someone I trust to show me the way.
Who is it NOT for?
Do not join if you are:
A SHORTCUT SEEKER:
Fundraising is hard work. Adamant Fundraising doesn’t remove work. It makes things more effective and efficient. We help you do the RIGHT work.
TRYING TO BUY INTROS:
You are not buying intros by joining Adamant Fundraising. You will learn the best processes for accessing high quality intros AND joining a fantastic community. But no intros are guaranteed.
IN NEED OF A QUICK FIX:
If you’re in the middle of a fundraise that is not going well, Adamant Fundraising is not your band-aid. It is designed to prepare founders for a great future fundraise.
TESTIMONIALS
After 10 live cohorts and dozens of advisory roles, I'm proud to say I've worked with founders who have gone on to do amazing things. $311MM raised from as small as $50k from angels to $50MM+ from large VCs🙏
Zohaib Ali
Founder, Dastygr
Company HQ: Pakistan
Round Raised after FWC: Series A
Amount Raised: $41M
Tiffany Kelly
Founder, Curastory
Company HQ: NYC
Round Raised after FWC: Pre-Seed
Amount Raised: $2.3M
Hayk Hakobyan
Founder, Bizbaz
Company HQ: Singapore
Round Raised after FWC: Seed
Amount Raised: $4.3M
Why is Adamant Fundraising so effective?
I focus on what you can control.
Here's why it works...
Different founders will come to the program with different areas of focus. I promise progress and results for everyone.
My methods
This isn't just about pulling out what I know and putting it on paper. It's been a process to find out what are the hardest parts of fundraising for founders, and creating exercises, tools and content that address those pain points head-on.
Active Learning & Tangible Outcomes
Active participation is essential to acquire a handle on fundraising. Video lectures will provide the foundation to leverage office hours, pitch practice, deck review, and other live events that allow you to put your learnings to the test and practice. And for our live cohorts -> small group practice sessions, live discussions, pitch practice, and deliverable-based homework. In addition, I won't just be speaking at you. I will engage with the class, explain the most pressing and tricky questions, and stimulate the cohort to advance together.
Winning as a team
Joining a community of founders who are in the same battle is priceless. As an Adamant Fundraising community member, you get to expand your network and receive valuable feedback on the content you produce. The most successful entrepreneurs turn fundraising into a team-based sport, and the Adamant Community aims to help you establish your first teammates.
Accountability and Feedback
Even if you know how to fundraise, finding the time to do the necessary work while running your company can be near impossible. This program adds structure and community to drive accountability to this work-intensive process. If that’s not enough, you and the rest of the community get to join office hours with me, answering any questions you have about the materials or your process every month.
Tactics, Templates, Tools
Don't expect just theory and principles. Step-by-step processes, email templates, CRM system guides, and data scraping systems are just a few of the superchargers the Adamant Fundraising Program delivers to its students.
Irina Constantin
Founder & CEO of Vaunt
Bree Thomas
Founder & CEO of Balance
Chloe Zhu
Founder & CEO of Gestalt
Sakiko Reuterskiöld
Founder & CEO of Nomosu
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Sam Vasisht
Founder & CEO of ShopMD
Luke O'Brien
Founder & CEO of Journey
Start working towards your best fundraise TODAY
Program
walking you through the soup to nuts of elite fundraising
Deal sourcing is the lifeblood of fundraising. In this lesson, Jason touches on the importance of understanding the investor psychology behind deal flow.
To start your preparation, you need to prepare a strong base. That means adjusting how you think about yourself, your business, and your fundraise.
The base also includes work like awareness and list building that greases the wheels for your work in future modules.
To be a great salesperson, you have to understand the mind of the buyer. In fundraising, it's the mind of the investor.
Here you focus on what makes investors tick so that you can start crafting effective communications that influence.
You've heard about investor lists. But how do you actually make them. And once you get a list, how do you use them?
In this module, you'll find out ways to use technology and process to your advantage to build a list that you can leverage for a strong fundraise.
For most founders, the deck is all they know about fundraising.
You on the other hand will have a full module of work to leverage in building a killer narrative, deck & pitch - one that influences investors and causes them to LEAN IN.
You also will have an opportunity to practice this new pitch or get feedback on your deck during our monthly pitch practice and deck teardown events.
You can have the best deck or pitch in the world. But none of that will matter if you can't land a meeting.
In this module, you will learn all about email communication with investors and prepare the emails you need to run a smooth process before and after investor meetings.
At this point in the course, you'll start being pushed to put the final touches on your process.
In this module you'll learn the keys to calendar density, setting up intros, preparing your data room, and more.
With the majority of your prep behind you, now is the time to organize the launch of a process.
In this module you'll learn how to drive your fundraise to a close while also overviewing SAFEs and valuations, and what to do post term-sheet.
April 15th, 2024
Applications for FWC9 have closed. If you're interested, please join the waitlist for FWC10. For other questions or concerns, you can email us - [email protected]
($500 voucher to travel to LA)
*Completion bonus is awarded if the founder submits the deliverables outlined at the start of the course. Historically about 50% of students receive completion bonuses.
100% 30-Day
Money Back Guarantee
If you go through the program thoughtfully…if you actually watch the lectures, go to office hours, do the exercises, follow the guidance, and you still are not 100% satisfied... I will refund your money within 30 days.
You just have to send me an email, *show me you did the work*, and tell me what happened. To clarify, this is not a guarantee that you will raise money (see FAQs).
Three main things
First - I believe in the program. I don't think you'll like it, I think you'll love it. I'm happy to add this guarantee to help founders make a good decision.
Second - the quality of the community is so important. If anyone does not do the work and isn't committed to being a positive member of the community, I don't want them here.
Third - You’ll grow tremendously whether or not you raise. I love pushing people to fully engage in fundraise prep because I know the effort is not throwaway work regardless of outcome. You are prepping yourself and your company to be better for investors but the improvement goes beyond just fundraising.
You have 30 days from payment to request a refund (net of costs).
How does it feel to be an Adamant Founder?
We take special care to curate the community and experience within Adamant Fundraising. It's something we're very proud of. A few words on how it feels to be a part of AF...
FAQs
The training in Adamant Fundraising is centered around self-guided instructional modules that start with recorded videos and incorporate homework and exercises.
Because we believe in the value of live coaching and feedback, we also incorporate a number of live experiences including onboarding, office hours, community feedback, and expert mentor sessions.
Separately, we will be organizing cohort-based programs with live video coaching similar to our old 6-week bootcamps (Fundraise with Confidence). If an intensive live experience is what you're looking for, email us at [email protected] for more information.
Memberships cannot be shared amongs co-founders. We do offer a 50% discount for co-founder accounts though. Just email [email protected] and provide information verifying your co-founder's information and we will issue you a discount code.
Beyond the co-founder discount (above), the short answer is no.
If you need 25% off to be able to squeeze this into your budget, then you truly can't afford it and I don't want you stretching yourself to join.
All other situations would not be fair to the others.
The money you spend will save you time at the very least and put you on a better trajectory to raise money. Make sure you do the math behind that.
I don’t guarantee people will raise. No one can do that and if anyone does, run.
My responsibility is to give the right information in ways that promote high-end execution
Your responsibility is to take what I teach, respond positively to exercises, and execute to the best of your abilities.
If we both live up to those responsibilities, good things will happen.
This program is not a pay for intros outfit. In fact, through our program you'll realize why those intros would be terrible anyway.
You will likely get intros from the network you build through the Adamant Founder network but they are never guaranteed.
Yup! When we were only doing live cohorts of Fundraise with Confidence, we had an ultra-lux, $15k tier of the program that included a dinner on me. I was lucky enough to go to LA, NYC, San Francisco, São Paulo to host private dinners with these founders all on me.
If a more intensive, live, small-group program like this is interesting to you, email [email protected] to let us know.
Hi. I'm your instructor, Jason Yeh.
Fundraising truly sucks. Making it suck less for founders through FWC is so rewarding because I know the struggle well.
As a formal and informal advisor to startups, I've helped companies raise over $311MM in capital. While I was an investor at Greycroft Partners, I evaluated over 1000 pitches and was a part of 50+ investments. Afterwards, I became a founder myself and led fundraises twice. The last was for my company Tape which sold to Hustle in 2020.
Combining those experiences with my love of teaching to help founders has been one of the best experiences of my life. I hope to help you in some small way soon!
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