Dear Investors, This Is All We Ask For as Founders

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Dear VCs,

Fundraising is tough. It sucks, honestly. As founders, we’re juggling the day-to-day chaos of running a startup while also trying to convince you to believe in our vision. It’s exhausting, it’s time-consuming, and sometimes it feels like it’s harder than building the business itself.

We know that as a VC you’re busy too, and we respect the diligence you bring to the process. But there are ways you can make this journey less grueling for us. Here’s what we’d tell you if we could say it plainly: fundraising doesn’t have to be this hard.

Below are six ways you can make a meaningful difference in how this process plays out for founders.

6 Things Founders Wan to Tell Investors During Fundraising

1. Give Us Fast No's

Time is our most precious resource. If you’re not interested, let us know quickly. A “fast no” may sting, but it’s far better than weeks or months of vague signals that ultimately lead to rejection. The sooner we know, the sooner we can focus our efforts elsewhere.

2. Ask Relevant Questions

When you ask thoughtful, relevant questions, it shows that you’ve taken the time to understand our business and the challenges we’re tackling. Generic or superficial questions not only waste time but also signal a lack of genuine interest. Meaningful questions lead to meaningful conversations.

3. Follow Through on Offers

If you offer to make introductions or provide other forms of support, we’re counting on you to follow through. Empty promises damage trust, but actionable support—even if you’re not investing—can make a big difference. We’ll remember the investors who keep their word.

4. Review Materials Before Meetings

When we send decks or other materials ahead of a meeting, we’re setting the stage for a productive conversation. Please review them before the call. This ensures we can dive straight into strategy and value-add discussions, rather than rehashing basic information.

5. Don’t Bounce Us Around Your Team

Being passed from one person to another at your firm is exhausting. We’d prefer to engage with decision-makers from the start. If you’re not the right person, loop in the relevant people early to streamline the process and avoid repetitive pitches.

6. Share a Clear Decision Process

Transparency goes a long way. Tell us how your decision-making process works: Who needs to be involved? What timelines are typical? What milestones or data points matter most? This clarity reduces confusion and helps us align with your expectations.

A Call to Optimize Fundraising

Great investors understand that their role extends beyond writing checks. By optimizing for speed, efficiency, and thoughtful engagement, they make the fundraising process less of a grind for founders. It’s a collaborative effort that builds trust and positions investors as true partners.

At early stages, fundraising is often a numbers game. Many companies that face rejection in these rounds go on to define entire industries. Respecting a founder’s time and addressing these six points doesn’t just improve the fundraising experience—it also lays the groundwork for long-term, successful relationships.

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