Top Investor Advice for Venture Newcomers

To secure partnerships or funding, founders may need to persist despite fear of being bothersome.

"Yeah, they might not respond to six emails in a row... Who cares? Either they're gonna work with us... So let's push as hard as we can."

• Don't fear being persistent in follow-ups.
• Focus on your goals rather than others' opinions.
• Persistence can lead to opportunities.

A hustle mindset propels founders to surpass competition and achieve their goals.

"Approach every opportunity with relentless energy and determination, always push yourself to go the extra mile. These principles... differentiate you from the rest."

• Consistently put in extra effort to stand out.
• Maintain high energy and determination in all endeavors.
• Outwork competition to achieve success.

Embracing personal uniqueness can be a strength for founders in building their startups.

"The uniqueness of your perspective... Rather than be defensive and try to hide it, take it as an addition to the team."

• Leverage your unique background and experiences.
• Your individual perspective can add value to your team.
• Embrace differences to foster innovation.

Founders can adopt effective negotiation strategies to succeed in business dealings.

"Little kids are brilliant negotiators... they're relentless... they will keep negotiating in tiny increments... and they have no pride... It doesn't matter how often you say no, they'll just keep coming back."

• Be persistent and relentless in negotiations.
• Break down goals into achievable increments.
• Don't take rejection personally; keep pushing forward.

Founders should seek purpose beyond just making money to sustain motivation.

"You've gotta get a lot out of it. If that doesn't give you a feeling of fulfillment and pride and purpose, then you're in the wrong business."

• Pursue purpose-driven goals beyond financial success.
• Find fulfillment in building impactful companies.
• Ensure your work aligns with your personal values.

Fundraising requires persistence and resilience in the face of rejection.

"VC is a business where you can't have any pride... it's a business of failure and rejection constantly, and you have to... be polite, be respectful, don't be an asshole, but don't be timid either."

• Persist through rejections when approaching investors.
• Don't let pride hinder your efforts to secure funding.
• Be proactive and assertive without being disrespectful.

Founders can benefit from focusing on core principles to navigate the startup landscape successfully.

"To break through as a new investor, focus on three key principles. Find your edge, know your why, and embrace a hustle mindset."

• Identify what sets your startup apart from competitors.
• Be clear about your purpose to stay focused and driven.
• Approach every opportunity with relentless energy and determination.

Founders often need to see the bigger picture to innovate and lead effectively.

"When I say you gotta go wide, you have to go read across a variety of materials, and then you'll discover... how everything interlocks together, and as they interlock, there are synergies to be explored that empower the whole."

• Read extensively across different fields to connect ideas.
• Understand how different components of your business interlock for synergy.
• Broaden your perspective to uncover innovative solutions.