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Hello reader,
As a founder, it must be very thrilling to open your inbox and see an email from a big-name VC. I’m not a founder myself, but I’m sure it’s the equivalent of opening your presents on Christmas Day and getting something that was at the top of your wishlist.
However, while you may want to immediately jump into the meeting with this big-name VC, it bears taking a step back and thinking a little harder about what you want to achieve from this meeting and manage expectations accordingly.
In today’s premium story, a fellow founder weighs in with his perspectives on this matter. He believes that sometimes, taking the meeting might not actually be the best course of action.
Today we look at:
- Things to think about before accepting a VC meeting
- Enterprise Singapore’s new node in Stockholm
- Other newsy highlights such as flying taxi firm Pony.ai’s IPO plans and the latest from the Byju’s saga
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Investment matters
Image credit: Timmy Loen
What should founders think about before going into a meeting with a VC, even if they’re a big name one? Michael Duyvesteijn, founder of sock brand This Is Not Fashion and a former VC scout at Saison Capital, shares some advice.
- Know thyself: Founders should clarify their funding needs, assess their startup’s VC suitability, and consider if the VC in question is the right one for you. Perhaps more crucially, it’s important to consider if the startup needs VC funding at all and weigh that against how much equity needs to be given up and the expectations for the company’s growth.
- It’s okay to say no: Founders should prioritize their time and only engage with VCs if it aligns with their strategic goals. Declining a meeting can be beneficial, allowing founders to focus on core business activities.
- Unexpected benefits: Still, there are benefits to meeting with a VC even if the founder isn’t looking for funding. These meetings can provide room for self-reflection on your business, gathering market intelligence, and building valuable relationships with potential future partners and advisors.
Read more: A bigshot VC reached out to you. What now?
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