The Feedback Loop

If evening events are more your jam in NYC, I will be filming another episode of The Feedback Loop with my good friend Sherveen Mashayekhi tomorrow night at 6! Would love to see you! https://lu.ma/pucgpwfv

It's easy for founders to get caught up in their head about the complexities of their startup. Sometimes, hearing a third party take on the pitch can bring on a new perspective. Watch Sherveen Mashayekhi as he jumps into his refinement of Kshitij Parashar’s Retrogenie.

Bastien Berthon and Kuizu want to democratize couples counseling and relationship coaching. Through an app, AI, and live coaches, it’s about helping nudge people toward stronger, healthier relationships. What do you think – if you’re part of a couple, would you put Kuizu in your pocket?

Live your pitch! Investors want to see that you are your own customer, or that you at least deeply understand your customer base. They want you to be a subject matter expert and a nerd. And in Laura Schaack’s case building Tattd, Inc., showcasing her tatted arms while telling her story is a way to establish that credibility ASAP. Sometimes, non-verbal cues speak louder than words.

Watch: Francesco Coacci pitches Necto, and Mike Ma and Sherveen Mashayekhi give feedback on what they hear re: the startup’s vision for consumers owning and selling their own data.

Investors are usually dubious of any big names you might mention in your pitch. Unless you get specific, there’s a chance they won’t believe you. Colette Ellis, who’s building Libbie Health Inc., had a great answer to how she’s working with these big names.

As we wake up everyday to the seemingly endless stream of companies building around AI, how can we break through the noise to find true value? John Frankel shares his simple method to tackle this challenge.

How will you avoid getting replaced by an update? That’s what every AI startup founder will be probed on. It’s what investors want to know. Spoiler alert: Pradyu Kandala has a sharp answer for his startup ProfessorAI.

There’s certainly no shortage of AI-powered products, but how do they adapt when the updates roll in? Founders Leland Krane and Viktoria Krane of ShotKraft are defining their space by serving a niche market, building resilience against their ChatGPT reliance. What strategies do you think are key in sustaining AI-driven startups?

Fun facts and compelling stats can be a powerful tool in pitching. Compare “80% of women wear the wrong bra size” vs. “bra sizing is confusing” – the impact is clear. Watch how Bella Baidak leverages the data to back Project B’s narrative. CC John Frankel