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Hi there!

We hope you enjoyed the first day of our Virtual DDVC Summit as much as we did. If you missed some of the sessions, you’ll be able to access the recordings until next week. Before we get started with the second conference day, let’s dive into a frequently and oftentimes controversially discussed topic: Fundraising.

Raising capital is one of the toughest decisions for founders as it’s not only directional for your future equity story and path to success but also - in most cases - very time-consuming. Getting it wrong can cost you money and momentum.

But what do you actually need to get right? Components include timing, balancing supply (=round size) and demand (=investor interest) to maximize capital raised while minimizing dilution, as much as getting the right partner and investment firm backing you.

What’s important to keep in mind: Not all capital is created equal.

There are predatory investors, shifting market conditions, and evolving expectations as your startup grows. Early-stage founders need to focus on vision and storytelling, while later-stage startups must emphasize traction and efficiency. Understanding these nuances can mean the difference between securing a fair deal and giving up more control than necessary.

In this episode we will examine fundraising by stage, helping founders navigate investor expectations, negotiate better terms, and raise the right amount at the right time.