How to raise money before launch

That’s it. In less time than it takes to set up a Slack group, your company can raise as much money as it might in a months-long, dilutive venture capital fundraising process or in an equally painful venture debt raise that leaves you with liens on your business and warrants outstanding.

Ignorant, or younger, or new entrepreneurs sometimes think that all money is equal when you're raising money, especially at your first round and your later rounds. You just think, "I just want to get the best price. Money is money." The ones who choose the wrong money learn pretty quickly of their errors. Company building is craftwork. It is not ma... See more

As a seed-stage investor at First Round Capital, I get to meet a lot of founders who are exploring and validating their ideas. It’s an exciting time for them and, as a former founder myself, I relate to the thrill and anxiety of just getting started. You believe you’re onto something and feel ready to bring your idea to life, but there’s also a lot... See more