The market has a ‘Switch’ and Founders have the power now, VCS says

The capitalist way of thinking about raising funds can be a black box. But investors should think about a go-to-market strategy as they raise their own funds, just as they think about how appropriate portfolio companies are.

All seasons in Build Modewe’ve explored how founders should approach marketing, but this week we’re exploring how VCS itself approaches founders as the ideal partner.

Isabelle Johannessen talks to Fainlieig and Walker’s Lesliig and Ross FuBini Venture about raising their first fund and how experience has given them fundraising experience.

Feinzaig came to venture capital with few industry connections. “It was hundreds of pitches. Almost all of them came from individuals. We ended up with 105 LPS,” he said. “If you don’t have a track record, what’s the investment in you. It’s like, like, raising a big angel angel without a lead.”

With an outsider’s perspective that you can entrust yourself as the founder of the phone before meeting with a place to practice and discuss strategy.

In addition, Fubini encouraged the leadership team to take care of him with the same care that they entered into the partnership. His rubric follows three core tenets: person, firm, term.

“You work with this person for the rest of your life. So everybody, they’re having fun, do you trust them? Do they have the juice to get a deal? It’s all about this human being,” he said.

The two VCSs noted the change from the latest bear market of 2022-23 – where the VCSs held all the cards – to now bear a very enthusiastic atmosphere where the founders have more. This makes choosing the right VCS all the more important, he said.

Fubini called it “fun” thrilling “because both sides still have to do due diligence and make sure well,” you can move quickly “compared to the cautious bear market. “I think it’s fun and exciting,” he said.

Feinzaig and Feinzini are full of tactical advice for VCSs looking for creative ways to grab attention and founders asking for the smartest choice for their cover table.

Pitch decks and cold emails may not have the power they once did but building genuine relationships and proving execution remains the best strategy for attracting attention – from your perspective.

New episodes of the mode drop every Thursday subscribe to the podcast or watching YouTubeSee rank-. Isabelle Johannessen is our host. The build mode was produced and edited by Maggie Nye. The development of the audience led by Morgan little. And special thanks to the Foundry video team and Cheddar.