Find Your First Investor

What it really takes to get funded

You may have a brilliant idea or even a well-developed startup, but securing VC funding is an insider's game. After hundreds of conversations with the smartest minds in business and investing (Techstars, Greycroft, NEA, Madrona, Craft Ventures, Bessemer, Menlo Ventures, Tusk Ventures), I'll share the unspoken rules and critical strategies you need to build credibility, attract the right investors, and close the deal.

Stop guessing and start knowing what it really takes to win the funding game.

Course Content

• How to break into venture capital (even if you're not in Silicon Valley)
• How to craft a pitch that speaks to what investors really care about
• How to position yourself as a founder to watch (even without a big logo)
• How to develop an investor outreach strategy that actually works
• How to build investor trust and legitimacy without a track record or established brand
• How to build a robust LinkedIn profile that attracts top investors and talent
• How to build your startup’s brand and gain recognition in the VC world
• Three critical adjustments to make your deck investor-ready
• How to identify the right investors for your startup (and avoid the wrong ones)
• How to attract top-tier engineering talent
• How to get on podcasts and boost your visibility
• How to avoid common mistakes that turn investors off

What to Expect

This is a highly interactive course with in-depth discussion, Q&A, real-life examples, and exercises for actionable feedback on your current deck and investor strategy.

We'll go beyond what you can figure out through intuition or sheer effort alone. In these sessions, you’ll gain the tools and insider knowledge that will set you apart and give you the edge needed to succeed in the competitive world of venture capital.

Who is this course for

What you’ll get out of this course

This course includes

• 3 interactive live sessions
• Lifetime access to course materials
• In-depth lessons
• Direct access to instructor
• Projects to apply learnings
• Guided feedback & reflection
• Private community of peers
• Course certificate upon completion

Course schedule

Mon, Jan 13: The VC Mindset

4:00-5:30 PM PST

How venture capital firms operate and what drives their decision-making processes.How to align your startup’s goals with what VCs look for in early-stage investments.

Mon, Jan 20: Your Investor Outreach Strategy

4:00-5:30 PM PST

How venture capital firms operate and what drives their decision-making processes.How to align your startup’s goals with what VCs look for in early-stage investments.

Mon, Jan 27: Perfecting Your Pitch

4:00-5:30 PM PST

How venture capital firms operate and what drives their decision-making processes.How to align your startup’s goals with what VCs look for in early-stage investments.

FAQs

What happens if I can’t make a live session?

How venture capital firms operate and what drives their decision-making processes.How to align your startup’s goals with what VCs look for in early-stage investments.

What’s the refund policy?

How venture capital firms operate and what drives their decision-making processes.How to align your startup’s goals with what VCs look for in early-stage investments.

Are live sessions recorded?

How venture capital firms operate and what drives their decision-making processes.How to align your startup’s goals with what VCs look for in early-stage investments.