11. Fundraising: Part II

Hey there,

Welcome to where I write about my journey from a stable Big Tech Software Engineering job to the wild and volatile world of Venture Capital.

In my previous post, I went over the email pitch deck that will act as your beachhead into VC territory. Once you’re at an in person meeting, the task is totally different.

Let's get one thing straight: the goal of these meetings isn't to win the VC over with your amazing company idea, it’s to convince the VC to enter into a 10 year relationship with you.

Yep, it’s dating all over again, all about making an emotional connection with the VC team. You're not just selling your idea; you're selling yourself and your vision of the future.

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Differentiate Yourself: Be the Protagonist They Can't Ignore

Remember, VCs see pitches every day. They're like jaded movie critics who've seen every plot twist. Your job? Be the blockbuster they can't stop talking about.

• Share your origin story: What drove you to build this? Build up to why you are the person who is perfectly suited to solve the problem your company is tackling.

• Show your battle scars: Talk about the challenges you've overcome. VCs love a good underdog story.

• Demonstrate your superpower: What unique skill or insight do you bring that no one else has?

Your Company's Story: Make it Epic

Your company isn't just a product or a service - it's the hero in a grand narrative.

• Paint the "before" picture: Describe the world without your solution. Make it feel like a dystopia they can't bear to live in.

• Introduce your company as the game-changer: How does it swoop in to save the day?

• Forecast the "happily ever after": Show them the utopia your success will create.

Inevitability and Success: You're Not Predicting the Future, You're Creating It

Here's where you channel your inner Elon Musk (minus the incessant need to be the center of attention and megalomania). You need to convince them that your success isn't just possible - it's inevitable.

• Show traction: Even if it's small, any proof that people want what you're building is gold.

• Highlight market trends: Demonstrate how the winds of change are blowing in your favor.

• Address potential roadblocks: Show that you've thought through the challenges and have a plan to overcome them.

Remember, in these meetings, passion trumps perfection. VCs are investing in you as much as your idea. So let your enthusiasm shine through - just maybe don't tattoo their logo on yourself (yes, I've seen it happen 😅).

Now go forth and conquer, young aspiring founder! May your pitch be compelling, your slides be few, and your inevitable success be, well, inevitable.

PS: If all else fails, just tell them you're building "Uber for X with AI" - it works 60% of the time, every time. 😉

Until next time!

Signing off and signing zero checks,

SWEdonym