From Cautious to Confident: How Founders Learn to Speak VC

Each year, I speak with hundreds of founders for the first time. New entrepreneurs tend to be cautious, guarded, and hesitant to open up. In contrast, those who’ve launched a startup before just shrug off many uncertainties about what can and cannot be talked about with an investor.

It’s natural human psychology. When stepping into unknown territory, like the realm of VC funding, first-time founders often lack the vocabulary and confidence to speak up. However, through meetings with investors and vicariously watching YouTube videos where founders pitch, they learn that investors aim to partner with founders on their journey. This relationship is akin to finding a co-founder; while the discussions differ, the overarching dreams of making a startup big remain the same.

Communication should come from a place where you not only aim to impress the investor but also evaluate them. Remember, you’re both choosing each other.