A hodgepodge thread of things founders do that I really appreciate

Sending out board decks 48 hours in advance--and calling out people who obviously didn't read it in advance.

Honestly responding to the mounds of well-intentioned-but-ultimately-bad feedback every founder receives

Saying "i know you might think that's a good idea or have seen it work elsewhere, but here's why we aren't going to do that or why it won't work here." "

Being open about how they're feeling--it's normal to be stressed, anxious, really depressed, really happy. Startups are a lot--no need to pretend things are always great all the time.

Sharing the financial plan in a link that can always be accessed, updating it with actuals on a semi-regular cadence to track forecasting accuracy, and being really upfront early when it looks like things aren't going to plan.

Sending out updates at a semi-regular cadence with clear asks. Shouting out the people who actually deliver on what they said they'll do and holding people who accountable who aren't delivering on their asks (note: updates can be brief!)

Closing thought: I recognize that a lot of these behaviors are things many VC's don't respond positively to. I'm sure many founders might feel conditioned to hide feelings, always say "great idea", ignore the VC who clearly didn't read the board deck....

That is a shame, and I hope that the next generation of VC's change that by encouraging more authentic dialogue with the founders they partner with.

And founders who are pushing it today--I appreciate you!