SKILL.md
$2a
Challenge whether you should raise at all
Ryan Hoover: "I do spend time challenging founders sometimes when they're thinking about raising... to not raise." The venture path creates a "treadmill" of growth expectations. Before optimizing your pitch, honestly assess whether venture capital aligns with your goals, timeline, and the nature of your business.
Prepare for the "dance of 100 nos"
Fundraising is a numbers game. Most investors will say no, and that's normal. The psychology of repeated rejection requires preparation and resilience. Don't take early nos as signal about your company's viability.
Questions to Help Users
- "What's your strongest proof point right now - traction, team, insight, or market?"
- "Why are you raising venture capital specifically? Have you considered alternatives?"
- "What's on your first slide? Is it your strongest point?"
- "How many investors have you talked to? What patterns are you seeing in their feedback?"
- "What's your target raise and how did you arrive at that number?"
Common Mistakes to Flag
- Burying the lede - Putting your strongest evidence on slide 5 instead of slide 1. Investors decide early
- Raising by default - Assuming venture capital is the only path without considering bootstrapping or alternative funding
- Underestimating rejection - Not preparing psychologically for 50-100 nos before getting a yes
- Weak opening - Starting with problem/solution when you have strong traction that would be more compelling
Deep Dive
For all 2 insights from 2 guests, see references/guest-insights.md
Related Skills
- Giving Presentations
- Founder Sales
- Negotiating Offers
- Startup Ideation