Slow Growth Squeezes Early Investors; Prioritize Revenue From Seed
When startups don’t grow quickly enough, early investors are squeezed. Later rounds dilute all shareholders (investors, founders, employees), and this is especially painful when the round is flat or down. It's one reason we're so focused on revenue + growth even at seed stage.
Hire an Accountant Who Closes Books Within 30 Days
founders, make sure you have a good outside accountant that closes your books each month within 30 days. if you're looking for a good and reasonably priced bookkeeper, DM me for a referral.
Create Your Own Opportunities Through Proactive Action
"Opportunities don't happen. You create them." – Chris Grosser Success in business comes from being proactive. Seek out and create your own opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you.
SMB Sales Are 10x Harder than Enterprise, Deterring VCs
SMB plays are 1000% harder than enterprise plays. This is why VCs don’t invest in them that often. Doesn’t mean they cannot be successful, but selling to small shops is just really really really hard.
Turn First Buyers Into Loyal Advocates Through Trust
Customer acquisition is just the beginning. Building long-term relationships is key to sustainable growth. Focus on creating value and trust to turn first-time buyers into loyal advocates.
Ongoing Research Keeps Business Competitive
Market research should be ongoing. Regularly gather insights to keep your business relevant and competitive. Consistent research drives informed decision-making.💡
Consistent Updates Signal Accountability and Proactive Leadership
I don’t worry about my founders who send consistent updates. They are on top of their business and numbers. Even if things aren’t going well, they own it and seek advice versus ignore and hope things get better. If...
VCs Should Prioritize Growth over Early Cash Positivity
I was asked if startups must now get to cash flow positive after raising early stage VC. My take: No. VCs should not be interested in that. I want to invest in founders that consistently grow at least 15% MoM...
Keep Moving Forward; Consistency Beats Watching the Clock
"Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." – Sam Levenson Time management is crucial, but what’s more important is your perseverance and consistency in working towards your goals.
Start Fundraising Early to Build Investor Relationships
Always start your fundraising efforts earlier than you think you need to. Building relationships and momentum takes time, so give yourself ample runway to engage potential investors and perfect your pitch. 🤝
Top Founders Share Regular KPI Updates and Reflect
the best founders: ✨share consistent updates (monthly or quarterly) ✨have a sense of their numbers at all times and include the most important KPIs in their update ✨use the update prep as a way to reflect on what is working...
Invest in Unique Data, Not Just AI Capabilities
I don't invest in AI. I invest in great products tackling big problems that generate valuable data. All companies will have AI components - it's table stakes. What is valuable is the data. Collect data that others don't have...
Good Metrics? Push Back on Low Valuations
One of our founders successfully negotiated up a lowball valuation offer even though they were a bit hesitant to ask. If your metrics are good, do not be afraid to push back on valuation. VCs will work with founders of...
Trust Your Instincts, Boldly Defy the Crowd
Take all the guidance and insights with a grain of salt. Only YOU know what is right for your business. Often times the boldness to do your own thing and not listen to the crowd is where the real magic...
Every Rejection Brings You Closer to Funding
Don’t be discouraged by rejections. Every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes'. Learn from feedback and refine your pitch, using each interaction as a stepping stone toward securing the right investment.