TheTop.VC

What if you could get into Y Combinator without a full product? In this episode, Varsha Ramesh Walsh, Founder of Offstream (useoffstream.com), shares exactly how she did just that — with a little traction, screenshots, and relentless customer focus. She breaks down the precise steps she took to validate her idea, iterate fast, and win early customers, even before building a functional platform. Whether you're applying to YC or searching for product-market fit, this conversation is packed with tactical advice — from how to pitch without a product to embedding customer feedback into your culture. Perfect for early-stage founders navigating the messy zero-to-one phase.

Peter shares how they confirmed PMF, got funded (after nearly shutting down) and eventually nailed their beachhead. (00:07:52) Decision to start (00:13:05) VC Rejection (00:16:50) Surviving Financial Struggles in Startup Journey (00:30:14) All in moment - focus shift (00:34:16) Break through (00:41:40) Resilience

Want to raise from VCs? Watch this before reaching out. It will give you an edge to close your round. REAL VC PITCH --> - Kevin Hartz, Founder of Eventbrite, now VC A*, and Peter Fitzpatrick, founder of Fawn LEARNINGS 1. How to pitch a VC 2. What are they thinking about you but not saying A* - https://www.a-star.co/ Fawn - https://www.fawnfriends.com/

Listen to a real VC pitch in Silicon Valley and then go behind the scenes to hear what the VC actually thought... Sid Trivedi is a Partner at Foundation Capital https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddhanttrivedi/, a $6B VC fund in Silicon Valley! Josiah Spartz is the Founder of Cofactory.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjcs/, an agentic customer acquisition platform! FORMAT 1. PERFECT PITCH - Sid - shares what the perfect pitch would look like for a company in this sector 2. PITCH DISCUSSION - Joey & Sid have a pitch discussion! 3. VC CLOSED DOOR REVIEW - Sid shares more details about what he thought about the pitch and other things founders should consider!

LEARN --> how they got started & how to impress them in a pitch 1. How does Forum Ventures define its focus? #accelerator #startup 2. Which investment strategies resonate with you at Forum Ventures? #accelerator #growthstrategy 3. In your experience, why is Founder-Market Fit crucial for startup success? #startup #venturecapital 4. What founder considerations have personally impacted you according to Michael Cardamone? #B2B #SaaS

GEN AI summary! #LetsGoLarsen Jensen, a former Olympic swimmer turned investment guru, has an impressive background that spans from the swimming pool to the Navy SEAL teams, and finally to the world of venture capital. His perspective on investment focus on dual-use technologies, which are applicable in both commercial and government sectors, is shaped by his unique experiences and his belief in their transformative potential. Jensen, who now heads Harpoon Ventures, sees these technologies as having significant geopolitical implications in today's world. He invests in next-generation technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and deep tech, with the vision of these innovations transforming businesses and enhancing national security and defense capabilities. His investment approach reflects his conviction in the United States maintaining its technological edge to continue being a global symbol of hope and democracy.

(00:07:07) Challenges in understanding and managing SaaS applications(00:15:24) Building Meaningful Connections for Startup Success(00:18:13) Data-driven MVP development process(00:23:27) The Power of Community Support in Startups

1. Quitting job, paying the bills and creating MVP 2. Landing first customers 3. Closing a Seed round in 2-months

(00:03:44) "The hardest thing for any founder to do is actually do it...it's really easy to convince yourself that it's stupid and that it's wrong and that your idea makes no sense and that you can do it somewhere else. And almost none of the metrics, if you were to draw a column of pros and cons, you're probably never going to have more pros and cons to start a business. And that, I think, is the biggest challenge, is you have to go against everything you're taught, everything you know, and take this massive risk that may not pay off at all, and just see what happens." - Matt Gialich (00:20:00) "Just go do. Just go do the work." - Matt Gialich (00:01:23) "When you do something like that for about three years, I mean, I was literally in a 20 x 20 office surrounded by whiteboards, and it was a ton of fun, but I didn't see the outside world a lot. And you also saw a lot of your ideas that worked on just not go anywhere. Right. They would just die for various different reasons. And so I really wanted to go see if we could figure out, or if I could figure out how you take something from idea to reality." - Matt Gialich (00:03:44) "The hardest thing for any founder to do is actually do it...it's really easy to convince yourself that it's stupid and that it's wrong and that your idea makes no sense and that you can do it somewhere else. And almost none of the metrics, if you were to draw a column of pros and cons, you're probably never going to have more pros and cons to start a business. And that, I think, is the biggest challenge, is you have to go against everything you're taught, everything you know, and take this massive risk that may not pay off at all, and just see what happens." - Matt Gialich (00:11:26) "Venture kind of sucks from the standpoint that you're going to get told no a lot, you're going to get rejected a lot, and you have to convince people that your idea is going to not only make them exorbitantly wealthy, but also change the world and also within the bounds of reality." - Matt Gialich

LEARN 1. Do I need to send my deck to a VC before a meeting? 2. What questions can I answer, "I don't know" to during a pitch 3. How can I get connected with the right investors? Check out Emil Capital here --> https://emilcapital.com/about-us/ Check out Marcel Bens here --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-a-bens-91825b/

Please check out CommandBar --> https://www.commandbar.com/ and James Evans --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-evans-7086b3126/

GPT-Powered SummaryIgor Ryabenkiy, a successful investor who has backed eight unicorns, recently shared his approach to venture capital investment in startups on the Top VC podcast. In this episode, Igor emphasizes the importance of founders having a clear understanding of their goals, plans, and target market. He also highlights key factors such as scalability, market size, industry landscape, business model, and customer approach that impact his investment decisions.One of the key traits Igor looks for in founders is their ability to clearly articulate their vision and strategy. He believes that when founders can effectively explain what they are going to do, why they are going to do it, how they are going to do it, and what their target is, there is a good chance they will be able to bring their startup to market successfully. This clear vision and focus on the start are crucial for building a strong leadership team and attracting customers.However, having a clear vision is not the only factor that determines a startup's success. Igor acknowledges that even if all the necessary factors, such as a scalable idea, a large market, a solid business model, and early traction, are in place, there is still a business risk involved. External factors, competition, mismanagement, and other challenges can lead to a startup's failure. Igor shares an example of a company he invested in that wanted to do Instagram-style video, but was overshadowed by Instagram's release of the same feature on the same day. This highlights the importance of considering potential risks and challenges when making investment decisions.The speed at which Igor makes investment decisions varies depending on the founder's ability to communicate their vision and build trust. In some cases, he has made a decision within the first five minutes of meeting a founder, while in other cases, it has taken several months. Igor emphasizes the importance of personal connections and trust-building in the investment process. He shares an example of a founder who approached him after a startup contest and asked for advice, which eventually led to a strong relationship and investment opportunity.In conclusion, Igor's approach to venture capital investment in startups is based on founders having a clear understanding of their goals, plans, and target market. While factors such as scalability, market size, industry landscape, business model, and customer approach are important, there is always a business risk involved. Founders who can effectively articulate their vision, navigate challenges, and build trust have a higher chance of securing investments. Igor's emphasis on personal connections and trust-building highlights the importance of building strong relationships in the startup ecosystem.

Closing a $1M+ round without customers or a product The key was in their analysis of the opportunity.

(00:01:31) Crafting a Compelling Story for Lumber(00:07:08) Drive and Determination in Founders(00:10:19) Founder's Assessment: Market Size, Competition, and Capabilities(00:14:46) The Significance of Grit in Fundraising(00:23:03) Understanding Customer Insights for Successful Fundraising  ============Entrepreneurial Grit, Customer Focus, and Fundraising in Construction Tech Startups In a recent episode of the Top VC podcast titled "Pitching Lumber In," entrepreneur Shreesha Ramdas shares his insights and experiences in the world of construction tech startups. Ramdas, who has successfully sold two companies in the past, is now working on Lumber, a workforce management platform for the construction industry. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial grit, customer focus, and fundraising in the success of startups in this space. Ramdas challenges the notion of founder market fit, stating that it is often overvalued compared to the determination and hustle of the founder. He believes that the idea and the industry are secondary to the qualities of the entrepreneur. According to Ramdas, he invests in founders based on their grittiness and desire to succeed, rather than the specific idea they are pursuing. One of the key tradeoffs that Ramdas discusses is the decision between taking on market risk or execution risk when starting a company. He believes that founders must choose one or the other, and in the case of Lumber, he decided to take on market risk by entering the construction industry, which is known for its slow adoption of new technologies. Ramdas explains that he is drawn to tougher challenges and harder problems, and saw an opportunity to make a significant impact in an industry that is often overlooked. Fundraising is another crucial aspect of startup success, and Ramdas shares his experience of raising $5.5 million in seed funding for Lumber. He highlights the importance of understanding the customer better than the venture capitalist (VC) when pitching to investors. Ramdas believes that founders should focus on the customer and their pain points, rather than trying to solve for the VC. By conducting over 300 interviews with construction workers, Ramdas was able to gather valuable insights and demonstrate his understanding of the industry's challenges. He advises founders to ask open-ended questions, be good listeners, and record all the insights gathered during customer interviews. These recordings can then be used to address the actual pain points when pitching to investors. Ramdas also emphasizes the significance of crafting a compelling story when pitching to VCs. He suggests that founders should cover both short-term and long-term visions in their pitch, showcasing the immediate value of their product or service, as well as the long-term potential. By incorporating the insights gathered from customer interviews, founders can demonstrate the market need and the unique value proposition of their startup. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for founders and investors in the construction tech space. It highlights the importance of entrepreneurial grit, customer focus, and fundraising in the success of startups. Ramdas challenges conventional thinking and encourages founders to prioritize determination and hustle over founder market fit. He also emphasizes the need to understand the customer better than the VC when raising funds, and shares practical advice on conducting customer interviews and crafting a compelling pitch. In conclusion, the world of construction tech startups requires founders to possess entrepreneurial grit, maintain a strong customer focus, and navigate the challenges of fundraising. By balancing these factors and making informed decisions, founders can increase their chances of success in this industry.

Zamir Shukho is a seasoned founder and venture capitalist with a wealth of experience in the startup ecosystem, having established 42 accelerators and worked with over 1500 companies... HIGHLIGHTS (00:00:28) Investing in Strong Teams and Tangible Progress (00:02:54) Uncovering Customer Problems and Emotions Effectively (00:05:40) Seed stage Venture Fund specializing in B2B SaaS startups (00:08:18) Navigating Conflict and Geopolitical Challenges as a Founder/VC

Check out Rex and Cambrian! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CambrianHQ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexsalisbury/ (00:00:22) Speed of Execution (00:01:22) Fintech Investing (00:03:40) Building a Community (00:05:20) Time Commitment in Venture Capital (00:14:00) Benefits of running a solo GP firm (00:19:30) Size of Opportunity in Fintech 00:00:22 - Speed of Execution Speed of execution is a crucial factor in building a successful startup, as highlighted by Rex Salisbury, the founder and GP at Cambrian. He believes that founders who can quickly navigate the idea maze and improve their ideas are the ones to watch. Rex looks for founders who actively seek feedback and iterate on their concepts, building a more precise version of their idea within a short period of time. These founders are not afraid to sell their product before it's even built, showcasing their ability to move swiftly and efficiently. By building a strong team, scoping the product, and securing design partners, these founders demonstrate their commitment and ability to execute at a rapid pace. In summary, speed of execution is a key quality that Rex Salisbury values in founders, as it allows them to validate their ideas, attract investors, and save time and resources in the process. 00:01:22 - Fintech Investing Fintech Investing is a captivating and rapidly growing field that combines technology and finance to revolutionize the way we handle money. Rex Salisbury, the founder and GP at Cambrian, shares his valuable insights on the topic. One interesting perspective he highlights is the importance of speed of execution for founders looking to raise money. He emphasizes the value of founders who can quickly navigate the idea maze, find co-founders, and secure design partners, even before building a product. Overall, Fintech Investing presents a massive opportunity for both investors and founders, with a broad range of sectors to explore, such as InsureTech, PropTech, and HR technology. With the abundance of high-caliber talent and the continuous development of better tools, the fintech ecosystem is poised for further growth and innovation. 00:03:40 - Building a Community Building a community is not just about bringing people together, but also about creating a space where ideas can flourish and connections can be made. Rex Salisbury, the founder and GP at Cambrian, shares his experience of building a fintech community and how it ultimately shaped his career path. He started by organizing monthly events and summits, which grew into a thriving community that fueled his passion. Rex emphasizes the importance of speed of execution when it comes to building something new, highlighting the value of navigating the idea maze and improving upon initial concepts. His favorite kind of founders are those who move quickly, finding co-founders, signing deals with design partners, and running a tight process before even building a product or raising money. In summary, building a community can lead to unexpected opportunities and career shifts, as Rex's journey demonstrates the power of bringing people together in a shared space of innovation and growth. 00:05:20 - Time Commitment in Venture Capital Venture capital is a field that demands a significant time commitment, as highlighted by Rex Salisbury in the transcript. Unlike starting an operating company, venture capitalists make an even longer time commitment to their work. Fund one alone can last up to 14 years, with the possibility of raising multiple funds in the future. This commitment is necessary to build trust with investors and establish a track record. However, it can also be a source of stress for venture capitalists, as they navigate the uncertainties of finding great companies and ensuring their success. Despite the challenges, Rex expresses his enthusiasm for the job and the satisfaction he derives from it. 00:14:00 - Benefits of running a solo GP firm Running a solo GP firm offers numerous benefits, as highlighted by the speaker in the transcript. One interesting perspective shared by the speaker is the advantage of having diversity on the cap table, which allows for building relationships with a wide range of investors without the signaling issues that often arise in larger firms. Additionally, solo GP firms excel in helping entrepreneurs find follow-on capital, which is crucial for the growth of their businesses. These independent firms possess highly specialized knowledge and networks within specific ecosystems, making them valuable partners in terms of providing access to the networks that matter most. In summary, running a solo GP firm allows for greater control over investment decisions, the opportunity to leverage personal networks, and the potential for greater upside compared to being part of a larger venture firm. 00:19:30 - Size of Opportunity in Fintech The size of opportunity in Fintech is immense, with startups currently capturing only about 2% of the total revenue in financial services. This indicates a significant potential for growth and innovation within the industry. Speaker A highlights the abundance of talented individuals now working in Fintech, with a tenfold increase in the number of people employed by Fintech companies over the past decade. Additionally, Fintech extends beyond traditional banking and finance, with opportunities at the intersection of healthcare, human resources, and capital markets. Furthermore, the availability of better tools and infrastructure has made it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and build Fintech products, allowing for the development of multiple products within a shorter timeframe. In summary, the Fintech industry offers a large market, a pool of talented individuals, and improved resources, making it an attractive space for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Mike Peregudov shared his experience of overcoming fundraising challenges and offered valuable insights on the importance of a structured process, tailored pitches, and incorporating the company's vision and mission. We'll delve into Mike's journey, practical advice, and data-driven insights to help founders navigate the fundraising landscape.(00:06:35) But this current seed round extension we raised mostly from early stage funds and angel investors and they are not that mission and vision is not that important for them. QUOTE (00:12:49) Our monthly updates, we build them like beautiful PDFs and a lot of news inside, quite honest, being honest there being sharing a lot of details. And these monthly updates converted few investors for sure, maybe even more than few. Like, I don't know, 30% of our investors came after getting three to four monthly updates from us.

In this podcast episode, Matt Martin, founder of Clockwise, shares his journey of securing over $75 million in funding and the tactics he used to break through the attention barrier of investors. Adam O'Donnell joins the conversation to discuss the importance of focusing on the inputs they can control and to introduce through email, reach out to VCs on LinkedIn and Mastodon. Whether you're just starting the process or need to refresh your strategy, this podcast provides helpful information and insight into the world of VC funding.

#entrepreneurship #funding #blackfounders #VC #doubt #belief #raisefunds #podcast #TheEntrepreneursJournal #motivation

[00:00:00] Early-stage investing and integrity prioritization[00:03:07] Founder-Focused Accelerator Program Expansion[00:06:17] Integrity in Founders and Venture Capital[00:09:25] Investing in Founders with Integrity[00:12:27] The Value of Due Diligence in Early-Stage Investing[00:15:28] Building a Supportive Podcast Community

Finding Investment Success with Clear Ventures' Rajeev MadhavanClear Ventures' founder and general partner, Rajeev Madhavan, knows what it takes to succeed in early stage investment. During a recent episode of TheTop.VC podcast with host Adam O'Donnell, Madhavan shared his insights on what he looks for when considering an investment opportunity.Madhavan emphasized the importance of having a strong background in technology. However, pedigree and expertise are only part of the equation. The next key factor is trust. Startups require resilience and the ability to handle the uphill battles that come with building a company from the ground up. Madhavan stressed that successful founders are those who persevere through adversity and come out the other side.Here are three tips for founders looking to secure investment from Clear Ventures:1. Build a strong foundation in technology.2. Showcase your ability to weather challenges.3. Be passionate about your company and its purpose.Madhavan's passion for startups, and belief in their potential to create change in the world, is contagious. Investors and founders alike should tune in to TheTop.VC podcast to learn more from this successful venture capitalist. 

Join Adam O'Donnell on TheTop.VC podcast as he talks to Dave Fink, founder of Postie, about his experience in raising a reasonable seed round, building disruptive technology, and finding a revenue model to offset costs. Dave shares his insights on how to approach VCs during the fundraising process and emphasizes the importance of having thick skin and a belief in the product. He also discusses the need to focus on the value a business provides and not get bogged down by the noise and risks that come with fundraising. Tune in to learn how Postie is helping founders who are considering raising and how they are disrupting the offline marketing space. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation between Adam and Dave - listen to TheTop.VC now! - Thank you GPT via Podflow for the summary!

Doppler's CEO, Brian Vallelunga shares how they got Sequoia to invest in their seed round! He shares his experience with Sequoia and emphasizes the importance of understanding that fundraising is a game that requires a strong story, with no pitch deck required. He also discusses Doppler's mission to help developers manage API keys and how every company is becoming a software company, making secrets management essential. With engaging narratives and real-life anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for any startup founder looking to build enduring businesses and succeed in the software-driven world.

Introducing TheTop.VC podcast, where host Adam O'Donnell has an exciting chat with Itamar Novick, founder of Recursive Ventures. They discuss how Itamar invests in early-stage startups that revolutionize industries like financial services, insurance, and real estate by leveraging data and machine learning. He also talks extensively about his investment experiences with promising companies like Tomato AI, Clarity AI, and Claire AI. The discussion covers Itamar's successful approach in evaluating startups, go-to-market strategies, and the critical issue of fake content, along with market discovery for deep fake solutions. Listening to this episode will give valuable insights into the world of venture capital and startup investments - perfect for the entrepreneur looking for strategic investment opportunities or anyone interested in business development. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation between Adam O'Donnell and Itamar Novick, both legends in the investment and startup industry!

Article 1: The Importance of Dialogue and Communication in Presentations In this episode of TheTop.VC podcast, Adam O'Donnell interviews Nuno G. Pedro, the managing partner at Chameleon, an early-stage VC firm in San Francisco. Nuno speaks about the art of communication and presentation, and how important it is to incite dialogue with an audience. Many founders often focus too much on presenting slides to their audience, forgetting to create opportunities for engagement and feedback. This is a common mistake, according to Nuno, as the objective of slides is to initiate dialogue and change within an audience. If you want to make your presentations more effective, it's important to follow Nuno's advice and focus your efforts on creating opportunities for dialogue. Here are three tips to get you started: 1. Engage your audience early in the presentation by asking questions and soliciting feedback. 2. Use stories, examples, and anecdotes to make your content more relatable and memorable. 3. Be open to feedback and opportunities for discussion, and be ready to adapt your approach based on your audience's interests and needs. If you're looking to improve your presentation skills and become a better communicator, this episode of TheTop.VC is a must-listen. Tune in to learn from Nuno's experience and expertise, and take your presentation skills to the next level. Article 2: The Superpower Test and Due Diligence in VC Investing In this episode of TheTop.VC podcast, Adam O'Donnell interviews Nuno G. Pedro, a managing partner at Chameleon, an early-stage VC firm in San Francisco. During the podcast, Nuno shared some insights into his firm's due diligence process, including the "superpower test." The superpower test is a simple yet effective way to identify your biggest blind spot, which can often be your superpower. This is something that Nuno has seen time and time again with companies run by product people who make a significant mistake in the product line under the CEO's call. If you want to avoid making similar mistakes, here are three tips to consider: 1. Identify your biggest blind spots and work to mitigate them over time. 2. Use feedback and input from others to identify and address weaknesses in your approach. 3. Be willing to adapt and change your approach as needed, even if it means making significant changes to your strategy or product. If you're interested in learning more about due diligence and the superpower test, then be sure to check out this episode of TheTop.VC. Nuno's expertise and experience in the field of VC investing can help you become a better investor and make better decisions about your investments.

Founder Market Fit - Familiarity with the ecosystem - What is your experience? - Early stage investing is those two things (Vision + Team ) - Investors will do DD on your past. They will talk to people that worked for your in the past

Young founder, no product, or real working experience...First 2-years were just trying to get capitalWhat broke through? - qualifying investors - going in person - working on the problem in a personal capacity for 5 years, as a teenager 

1. The founders have a thesis  2. The product is the way to get there3. Are they keeping their ear to the ground?4. Are they continuously iterating?5. Are they applying what they're learning?

Asking yourself, "if I knew what I know now, would I still pursue this business?" If the answer is no, you've saved yourself a lot of time! If it's yes, proceed with full force!  

[Seed Investor in Paypal & Co-Founder of Eventbrite] Kevin Hartz, GP at A* Capital; what does he look for in a founding team?Biggest learnings -->  - Show investors that you have grit & intellect - how? It should be obvious from your background. 

Tesla for Motorcycles? - Oben's Founder, Madhumita Agrawal; funding a hardware startup in a recession- Keep fundraising until the money is in the bank!- Referrals, referrals, referrals- Fundraising is for founders 

What's it like to win Techcrunch Disrupt? Minerva Lithium's founder shares what they did, how she felt, and what their building!

How to nail your first meeting with a VC-->1. Solve for getting a second meeting2. Nail your story/narrative3. Don't explain every part of your business! 

Ashley Aydin is a Principal at VamosVentures. They invest in early-stage tech-enabled companies led by Latinx and diverse founders!

Who will get funded now?Capital efficient, but don't suck too much capitalVelocityConsistency - great investor updates

The most impactful strategy you used to close your round? - Wrote a white paper...there are a lot of companies out there. They wrote a white paper about the future of work - Wrote it on Notion, put it behind a wall, 15-20 min read...filtered out those that are interested...

Angular Ventures's, David Peterson: 3 things VCs look for what YOU might not have in your deck?Secret insight & how did you find it?Is there a movement that you could be the center of? Can you attract the right talent? 

Nail these 4 things if you want a chance of raising in this environment - Who was your warm intro? How well do they know the space?  - Founder conviction is super important. What brought you to this point? How did you come across this problem? Why dedicate the next 10 years to solving it?   - Real advisor relationship in your slide deck?   - Can you withstand industry expert scrutiny?   - How organized is your data room? Send it fast and make it detailed. 

How do you show a VC that your company could return their fund?--> Strategic Sequencing... 

[$12M Seed Greylock invested] Rishabh Jain, Co-Founder of Fermat Commerce; raising in a downturn- thesis alignment is more important during a downturn- what is your mega trend? 

You have something in your business that is scary to a VC...make sure you share it the right way

What's it like to raise a round right now? Learn what Hersh did to close a $12M Series A. Companyon Ventures, Atlassian Ventures, and CreativeCo join returning investors to fuel accelerated go-to-market investment

- sharing your GTM tests and strategies in your deck - getting creative with your GTM and how to share that with investors

- How to respond to --> "Why is Microsoft not going to do this?" - How to do VC updates, and common red flags during due diligence - Investment breakdown

Nail your story - you have heard this before, BUT it is the most important thing you can do Go deep with the problem in a verbal pitch Work with VCs that know your space

- Don't raise, unless you have to - Get ready for 2x as many follow up questions - Get ready for 2x as many representatives from the VC on the call - IRL still matters

Timing matters Investing is best...when you have time to watch them operate False sense of urgency Customer calls Don't downplay

Eric Youngstrom shares how they closed $42M. He dives into how he thinks about valuations and where he spent his time during the raise. #SimilarToEnterpriseSales