Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked to pitch on behalf of a founder. My answer has always been the same: NO.
Why? Because fundraising is always the founder’s job. Not an advisor’s. Not a consultant’s. Not a hired gun’s. Yours.
Investors don’t want perfect. They wa...
The other day I was coaching a deep-tech startup. Brilliant team, years of hard work behind them, finally on the brink of commercialization and raising their last round.You could feel their excitement in the room. Their energy filled the pitch. Their passion shone brighter with every practic...
Today I’m going to be a bit harsh - but still after 11 years in this industry it still upsets me.
I’m always surprised, no I am actually shocked by how many entrepreneurs don’t spend enough time talking to their potential customers.I just don’t get it - WHY?
The cost of skipping this step is...
A lot of founders think they’re being smart by saying no to events.They tell themselves they’re “saving time” by staying at the desk, tweaking the deck, or sending cold emails.
In my book? That’s just stupid.Why?
Think about it for a second. Events are the biggest time-saver of them all.Where ...
You can feel it in the air.Summer’s over, autumn is here - and the startup scene is buzzing again.
Demo days. Breakfast pitches. Competitions. Investor lunches. Everywhere you turn, founders are on stage, energy is high, and fundraising season is in full swing.
But there’s one line I keep hear...
Vacations are over.
September is just round the corner and Investor meetings are back on the calendar. The runway clock is ticking again.
Every year, I watch founders come back from summer vacation all energized to pick up the speed and motivated to build something extraordinary. But when it...
A few years after starting my business, I heard that one of my customers had hired a well-known actor as a pitch coach for their startups.
My first reaction? Starstruck. My second? Self Doubt.
I thought to myself: “That is so smart…” and suddenly I started questioning my own path. Who wouldn...
Yayyyyy! You did it! You just finished your pitch.
Maybe the investors smiled. Nodded. Even asked a few follow-ups.And now you’re sitting there wondering:
“Did it land?”“Should I add more?”“Do I keep talking?”
This moment - right after the pitch - is where founders lose the second date.
The...
Last week, I wrote about how your pitch is pretty much like a first real date.
Just like a first date - you’re not there to prove your worth.You’re there to spark curiosity. Create a connection.Leave them wanting to see you again.
But now you might be wondering…
What do I actually say on that ...
Do you remember your first real date?The anticipation. The butterflies. The silent hope that this person might just get you.You probably planned what to wear, practiced what to say, rehearsed how to seem interested - but not too eager. (I know I did...)
Let's face it:
You didn’t walk in with...
I used to think the best pitch was one where no one had anything left to ask.No questions = nailed it.But over the years - and after coaching thousands of pitches - I’ve realized the exact opposite is true.
If your pitch leaves no room for curiosity, you’ve missed the point.You’ve explained ...
When you’re just starting out, it feels like anything is possible.
You see use cases everywhere. You imagine your solution transforming industries. Every conversation opens a new door. Your imagination becomes your fuel. And for a while, that feeling is pure magic.
You're unstoppable. The sk...
