I share insights on fundraising + run free office hours to help founders raise capital Prev: @greycroftvc @harvardhbs Pod: @fundedpod Now: @adamantfounders
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Joined January 2009
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i advise some of the smartest operators and investors in the world on effective use of AI. most of them make the same mistake
the core issue is they still use it like software. the best software ever...but still software
heres what i mean:
if you're an operator that gave up on agents, i would bet you didn't try to really engage with it like this.
when i guide people around this there's a night and day change in how they perceive AI agents and the value they get from them.
we're living in crazy yet amazing times. embrace it
i'm back in brazil
what founders are most important to meet here?
one of brazil's most prominent angel investors is hosting a party this weekend that i can bring some founders / friends to
i wish i had this rule earlier in my career.
i said no to friends b/c i thought i was smarter. probably lost the most money ever skipping those deals
ugh
the follow up or check-in with an investor should be because
1) you set the expectation that's what you do as part of your process
2) there is momentum in the fundraise that you're riding
3) there is a meaningful company update
at least 1 of the 3 if not multiple
otherwise it's because you're a crappy deal
very investor centric take. from founder pov, this is the correct take:
the only art with following up with investors after a pitch is to update your progress (e.g. #1 on app store, a69z is in).
like it or not fomo pulls. if they don’t follow up, the pitch didn’t arrest their interest.
i never send empty updates like thank you for your time.
better to spend the “follow up” time on securing more new meetings, and reminding them what they might be missing out on with progress i make.
you the follow up and check-in with an investor should be because
1) you set the expectation that's what you do as part of your process
2) there is momentum in the fundraise that you're riding
3) there is a meaningful company update
at least 1 of the 3 if not multiple
otherwise it's because you're a crappy deal
very investor centric take. from founder pov, this is the correct take:
the only art with following up with investors after a pitch is to update your progress (e.g. #1 on app store, a69z is in).
like it or not fomo pulls. if they don’t follow up, the pitch didn’t arrest their interest.
i never send empty updates like thank you for your time.
better to spend the “follow up” time on securing more new meetings, and reminding them what they might be missing out on with progress i make.
i have a thesis. it's not fully formed yet so my description will be rough 👇
most founders should not follow the agile planning methodlogy
agile is a sacred cow in startup lore but we need to start questioning it or at least refining it
the core is the flexibility of agile leads to extremely poor focus and in turn bad outcomes
many founders would be far better served around something that looks like...wait for it.. waterfall planning👀
(waiting for the @ericries stans to come for me now...)
when you're talking traction in a fundraise, don't just list "here are the things we've done"
lay it out serially to show causality. we did this, which unlocked that, which is why the next thing is happening faster
investors are trying to read momentum, which means progress, increasing pace, and evidence that your next step is more likely to happen than your last one was
spent time helping VCs and founders keep their burn rates HIGH for once
thx to @Aaron_Gins @FenwickWest as always❤️
p.s im really enjoying hosting these adamant morning ☀️ events. keep an eye out for more. and if you’re a friend and get an invite to one of the private events like this one …trust you won’t want to miss it
don't say "i need to raise capital"
when people find out what I do they get excited to talk to me and 90% of the time they use those words
when they do, i immediately discount them as uninteresting
that might be unfair but i guarantee you this type of language means something to most investors
if you're a founder that commands investor attention, your natural phrasing would be "i'm going to raise capital"
one version sounds like the raise is a step on a path you're already running down and the other sounds like you're waiting for permission to start or a lifeline
anyone have fun connections / hookups for Twitch Con?
i'm taking my 14 y/o niece on fri nov 13 and hoping to setup anything that would make me seem cool 😎
i'll return the favor somehow
who's in LA tomorrow morning on the west side? have an awesome private event mostly for investors centered around wellness (a mobility workout + coffee + sauna).
reach out if you know me and you're wondering why i didn't invite you. it was probably a mistake. i have a couple spots to left.
i'm hosting a private event tues for about 30 founders and investors
coincidentally, i have founders of 4 of the top IRL experiences companies in LA all joining.
@themotoringclub
Primal Moves
@626NightMarket
Fescue Golf Club
any questions you'd want me to ask them?