Fundraising
From pitch deck to term sheet. Know when to raise, how to raise, and what you're signing.
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Bootstrapping vs Raising
Not every startup needs venture capital. Bootstrapping gives you full control and forces discipline. Raising lets you move faster but dilutes ownership and adds pressure. Understand the trade-offs before you decide — and know that you can always bootstrap first and raise later.
Pitch Deck Essentials
A great pitch deck tells a story in 10-12 slides: problem, solution, market, traction, team, and the ask. Investors see hundreds of decks — yours needs to be clear, visual, and memorable. Lead with the problem, prove the market, show traction, then ask for money.
SAFE Notes & Cap Tables
A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is the standard instrument for early-stage fundraising. It's simpler than a convertible note — no interest, no maturity date. Understand valuation caps, discounts, and how your cap table changes with each round. Use Carta or Pulley to model scenarios.
Finding Investors
The best investors find you through warm intros — not cold emails. Build relationships before you need money. Research who invests in your space, your stage, and your geography. Use AngelList, LinkedIn, and 757.vc to identify the right people. Ask other founders for intros.
The Investor Meeting
An investor meeting is a conversation, not a pitch. Know your numbers cold: burn rate, runway, CAC, LTV, MRR. Be honest about what's working and what's not. End every meeting with a clear ask: investment, intro, or feedback. Follow up within 24 hours.
Term Sheets & Closing
A term sheet outlines the deal: valuation, investment amount, board seats, liquidation preferences, and anti-dilution provisions. Not all terms are equal — optimize for investor quality and founder-friendly terms, not just the highest valuation. Get a startup lawyer to review before signing.