Remember when raising our pre-seed and was pitching a pre-seed firm in the valley on Guide

The investor told me they didn’t really have strong conviction in the business so they had to pass, this was after presenting them with a beautiful demo

Keep in mind, this was during COVID-19 after we pivoted our business and raced to build our the web app component once we nailed our direction.

We had done TONS of customer discovery work to inform the product direction

I talk to customers everyday.

But they passed.

Honestly, It was the best thing they could tell me.

Dear founder, don’t expect investors to validate you.

Customers are your best source of validation.

Also, don’t take every pass personal.

You have optionality in the market.

You will find the right partner.

You’re looking for champions who believe in you and your mission.

Don’t waste time with potential investors who don’t get it.

You don’t have anything to prove to them.

Your #1 focus is customers and ensuring you’re headed in the right direction as a business.

Be confident. Own the table every time you pitch an investor, no matter what type of firm they work with or if it’s an Angel.

You’re the builder.

You’re the customer champion.

Present the opportunity, keep it moving.

This especially goes for my ladies.

Own the table every time you pitch an investor.

Many of you ladies are building amazing companies.

You have everything together.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with your pitch deck.

Ask for more and then charge tax.