The Venture Crew

What Should Founders Ask VCs in Fundraising Meetings? Some founders approach VC meetings as if the investors are above them, rushing through the meeting like it’s a rapid-fire round. Don’t do that. ❌ Approach the meeting with the right mindset: come in as an equal, ready to collaborate and engage in meaningful discussion. Most VC meetings won't end with a check, but that doesn't mean they're a waste of time. Each meeting is a chance to build your company using the insights you gain from the VC, not just the funding you might receive. Remember, investors have seen countless startups, invested in many, and have a broad view of the market. That experience is incredibly valuable, and it’s right there in front of you. They hear and see things that you might not. This wealth of knowledge is yours to tap into—you just need to ask the right questions. But most founders don't know what questions to ask. We have included around 40 questions in the attached document. I highly recommend going through it. 👇 If you find this helpful - please like, comment & share so that it reaches founders. 💫 For more insights, check out my free newsletter and Join 62000+ founders & investors: https://lnkd.in/dhHnKgNs . #startups #funding #founders #venturecapital #vc #investment #invest #fund #angelinvestors #investors #money #questions #duediligence #founder #founders #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #questions

The Big Book of Venture Capital (Q3 2024) - Must Read for Aspiring Venture Capitalists.... The Good Stuff 📈 → Exit game's looking brighter! Both US and European exits are finally picking up steam in 2024, already beating 2023's numbers → Secondary market's getting healthier - those steep discounts we saw? They're shrinking → Interesting twist: Most M&A deals are now startups buying other startups The Rough Patches 📉 → Q3 hit us with a reality check - global funding dipped for the first time in a while. → Europe's seeing a real squeeze - experienced VCs are hoarding about 60% of available capital, and new fund formation has crashed by half The "It's Complicated" Zone 🤔 → AI is the star of the show - grabbing a third of all VC dollars (Silicon Valley's eating up 41% of US AI funding) → Valuations are all over the place - some up, some sideways → Half of Europe's unicorns haven't moved since 2021 (yikes!) → There's still tons of dry powder sitting around, but nobody's rushing to deploy it → Layoffs have slowed down but haven't stopped → Deal sizes are growing, but there are fewer active investors in the game As we head into November, major shifts in trends seem unlikely for 2024. All eyes are on the U.S. Presidential Election to ease market anxiety. The industry is hopeful for a 2025 rebound, with everyone keen to avoid a repeat of the last few quarters. Here’s to better days ahead! 👉 Want daily VC Job updates/want to learn about VC from basics... Join our VC Crafters (Break Into VC)' Slack community to learn, network and craft your path to venture capital... Join Slack Community Now: https://lnkd.in/gby478Up 💫 For more exclusive reports on startups, VC & AI, check out our free newsletter and join 26,000+ VC enthusiasts and tech founders: https://lnkd.in/dQuvt5xR . Thanks Rohit Yadav (Partner at 3pt Ventures) for sharing this. #startup #venturecapital #funding #fundraising #vc #vcfunding #vcfund #founders #fundraising #job #siliconvalley #summerinternship #usa #indianstartups #startups #business #guide

Venture Capital Due Diligence Questionnaire Due diligence is a core process in the venture capital investment stage, where investors thoroughly investigate the suitability of a potential investment. During this process, VCs typically request a wide range of legal documents from founders. Many first-time founders seeking funding are unfamiliar with the due diligence process or the factors VCs consider when evaluating an investment opportunity. While VCs and angel investors may approach due diligence differently, this guide provides an overview of how the process typically unfolds. Check out the attached pdf to learn more about it 👇 💫 For more insights, check out my free newsletter and join 62000+ founders & investors: https://lnkd.in/dAt35dna . Thanks Edda for sharing this. #startups #funding #founders #venturecapital #vc #investment #invest #fund #angelinvestors #investors #money #questions #duediligence #founder #founders #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship

Venture Capital Fund Metrics Cheat Sheet Use these tools to Evaluate VC Fund Performance.... 👇 If you are a founder, investor or fund manager this cheat sheet will help you answer the following questions: • When should you use multiple calculations versus IRR calculations? What are the differences? • How is your particular investment performing right now? • How has the company performed historically? • Which metrics are more vital to limited partners (LPs)? Which metrics are more important to general partners (GPs)? • How is your overall fund performing? • How is your fund doing compared to similar VC funds with the same vintage year There are nine venture capital metrics that used to determine fund health and performance are separated into multiple calculations and internal rate of return (IRR) calculations. The multiple calculations include: • Multiple on Invested Capital (MOIC) • Gross Total Value to Paid-In Capital (Gross TVPI) • Net Total Value to Paid-In Capital (Net TVPI) • Residual Value per Paid-In Capital (RVPI) • Distributions per Paid-In Capital (DPI) The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculations are as follows: • Gross IRR • Gross Realized IRR • Net IRR • Net Realized IRR ------------------------------------------ 👉 Want daily VC Job updates/want to learn about VC from basics... Join our VC Crafters (Break Into VC)' Slack community to learn, network and craft your path to venture capital... Join Slack Community Now: https://lnkd.in/gby478Up ------------------------------------------ The Difference Between Multiple and IRR Calculations: While multiple calculations yield quick figures meant to show you the total value of a portfolio, they don’t consider time. They merely tell you how much money you’re going to receive from an investment. In contrast, IRR calculations do consider timing to tell you how much you will make and when you will get a return on your investment. As such, IRR calculations can give investors a clearer picture of an investment’s potential. As tempting as it is to only pay attention to IRR calculations, there’s a reason why multiple and IRR calculations are usually reported together. Together, they show you the whole picture. Accordingly, you should look at both types of calculations when determining the health of your fund. Here is the download link to the high-res version of the VC Cheat Sheet: https://lnkd.in/e4-fdB3x Here is a detailed explanation of all 9 VC Cheat Sheet Calculations: https://lnkd.in/e9daMHMq 💫 For more exclusive reports on startups, VC & AI, check out our free newsletter and join 26,000+ VC enthusiasts and tech founders: https://lnkd.in/dQuvt5xR . #startup #venturecapital #funding #fundraising #vc #vcfunding #vcfund #founders #fundraising #job #siliconvalley #summerinternship #usa #indianstartups #startups #business

All-In-One Startup Metrics Guide - What to track, when and why. One of the biggest challenges founders face is choosing the right metrics for their startup. Too often, entrepreneurs make the mistake of tracking vanity metrics that don't accurately reflect their business's health. If you're unsure which key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor, the guide I'm sharing today can help. It covers the essential metrics for various sector, startup stage and explains how to leverage them effectively as you build and grow. This guide includes 👇 1. Metrics Matter 2. North Start - Theory and Applications. 3. What to track when - - Deep Tech - Fintech - Health & Consumer Tech - Industrial Tech - Marketplaces & Network Effects 4. Metrics Explained 4.1 Acquisition Metrics - On-Page Events - Conversion Rate (CR) - Click-Through-Rate (CTR) - Virality Coefficient (K factor) 4.2 Activation Metrics - Activation Rate - CAC 4.3. Retention Metrics - Customer Retention Rate - Active Users - Churn Rate - Cohort Activity Heatmap 4.4 Referral Metrics - Net Promoter Score 4.5 Revenue Metrics - LTV - LTV : CAC Ratio - Revenue - MRR - MRR Growth - Annual Contract Values (ACVs) - Average Revenue per User (ARPU) - Burn Rate - Runway 5. Tips From Investment Managers & Startups - Product-Founder Fit vs. Product-Market Fit - Kicking-off Data-Drivenness Early On - Don't Forget About Retention - Grow Sustainably - Track & Optimize KPIs - Know How to Tell Your Story Remember - metrics are not just numbers but reflect a business's vision. While no metric is perfect, consistently monitoring the right metrics is crucial as they drive what matters most. Start by identifying your key metric or "North Star," then set up tracking from day one. Without defined metrics and goals, you can't identify success. The right metrics, consistently measured, provide a powerful tool to reduce complexity and drive data-based improvements, rather than relying on gut feelings. If you find this helpful - please like, comment & share so that it reaches founders. 💫 For more insights, check out my free newsletter and Join 62000+ founders & investors : https://lnkd.in/dAt35dna . #startup #metrics #founders #earlystartup #founder #startups #fundraising #funding #entrepreneur #metrics #tractions #fund #vc #venturecapital #entrepreneurship #track #data #analysis #research

🚨 Attention Aspiring VCs: Don't Miss These Recent Reports on AI, VC & Startups.... → Overbuilding in AI: A Modern Twist: It explores the challenges of overbuilding in AI, analyzing its impact on product development and business strategies. [[https://lnkd.in/dBGUTrV8] → Deep Tech Hardware Napkin: A unique perspective on how deep tech startups can effectively communicate their innovative ideas even with simple tools like a napkin. [https://lnkd.in/d_fzxYuY] → Bootstrapped vs. VC-Backed Startup. How do you decide what is the right path for your startup? [https://lnkd.in/dBr7aXrh] → VC vs. Non-VC Backed Valuations in Equity Crowdfunding: An analysis comparing the valuations of companies backed by venture capital versus those without such backing in the equity crowdfunding space, highlighting key trends and implications for investors. [https://lnkd.in/dj6xAUyW] → 12 Things About Product-Market Fit by a16z: The article discusses 12 key insights about product-market fit (PMF), emphasizing its critical role in startup success. Key points include the importance of identifying a compelling value hypothesis, the notion that PMF often emerges through iterative processes rather than a single breakthrough, and the necessity of focusing on market needs over product features. [https://lnkd.in/dmtCzMwK] → What Makes a Good Product-Market Fit?: A deep dive into what makes a strong product-market fit, exploring strategies for startups to succeed. [https://lnkd.in/dh69YvtD] → Beyond B2C and B2B: A New Approach to Business Models: Justin Jackson explores a fresh perspective on business models, pushing beyond traditional B2C and B2B frameworks. [https://lnkd.in/dS-yvMpH] → Future of Sales with AI: BCG's Executive Perspectives explore how AI is reshaping the future of sales, offering key strategies for businesses looking to leverage AI in their sales processes. [https://lnkd.in/gEBuv8hU → The Software Explosion Philip Joubert breaks down the rapid growth and transformation within the software industry. [https://lnkd.in/draeUUPh] → The MVP-ICP Handshake: Bain Capital explains how to transition from founder-led to AE-led sales focusing on MVP-ICP alignment. [https://lnkd.in/d8Y-zq8b] 💫 For more exclusive reports on startups, VC & AI, check out our free newsletter and join 26,000+ VC enthusiasts and tech founders: https://lnkd.in/dQuvt5xR 👉 Want daily VC Job updates/want to learn about VC from basics... Join our VC Crafters (Break Into VC)' Slack community to learn, network and craft your path to venture capital... Join Slack Community Now: https://lnkd.in/gby478Up . #startups #vc #venturecapital #AI #founders #reports ##entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #angelinvestors #investors

All-in-one VC Finance Guide For Founders... While raising funds, most founders neglect to learn about VC financing terms and their real meanings. Many of you might ask, 'What's the use of learning all these terms?' Understanding these terms and concepts is crucial - they'll not only help you present your pitch more effectively but also give you an edge during negotiations. If you're unfamiliar with VC financing concepts, I highly recommend following this guide by Dave Lishego. Check out the attached pdf for more info 👇 If you find this helpful - please like, comment & share so that it reaches founders. 💫 For more insights, check out my free newsletter and join 62000+ founders & investors: https://lnkd.in/dAt35dna . #startups #vc #venturecapital #founders #funding #fund #angelinvestors #investors #early #guide #finance #jobs #internships

Y-Combinator's Framework To Build A Successful MVP. "The types of founders who think they know exactly what the customer needs even before building a product. We call them fake Steve." Y-Combinator Partners. In their minds, Steve Jobs built the iPhone and iPod, such amazing products in one go. The mistake they're making is that’s not true. Many of them remember the 3rd or 4th iteration of these products. The first iPhone had 2G internet, no app store, etc. You don’t know what the customer needs. The customer alone knows what they need. If you ask them, they will tell you. How you ask them is by showing them your MVP. But most founders make tons of mistakes while building MVP. So Y Combinator has shared their framework to build successful MVP: The following guide includes 👇 1️⃣ Real Meaning of Building Minimal Viable Product (MVP) 2️⃣ How did Airbnb, Twitch, and Stripe build their MVPs? 3️⃣ How did these startups use the Y-Combinator MVP building strategy? 4️⃣ How can you use this strategy to build your startup MVP? If you find this helpful - please like, comment & share so that it reaches founders. 💫 Check out my free newsletter for more insights and join 62000+ founders & investors: https://lnkd.in/dAt35dna . #startup #venturecapital #funding #founders #entrepreneurship #startups #founderstories #startuptips #fundraising #mvp #founderlife #entrepreneur #ycombinator #startuptips #ycombinator #YC #SaaS

20+ VC Job Opportunities.... We shared over 20 venture capital job opportunities in our Friday edition of the Venture Curator newsletter. You can find these listings here: https://lnkd.in/dJaBB6Jq 💫 Want daily VC Job updates/want to learn about VC from basics... Join our VC Crafters (Break Into VC)' Slack community to learn, network and craft your path to venture capital... Join Slack Community Now: https://lnkd.in/gby478Up . #startups #vc #founders #investors #startup #founder #funding #investor #venturecapital #analyst #associate #jobs #internship

Sam Altman - ‘Don't Run Toward Ideas Where There Is Oversupply of Founder Relative To Market Demand.’ “If You Want To Build A Really Big Company, Start A Hard Company. It's easier to build a hard company than an easy one. If you're building a photo-sharing app, nobody bothers. 😕 But if you're building flying cars, supersonic aeroplanes or nuclear power startups people proactively want to help you for free because they want to be a part of this interesting thing. And if you want to build a really big company, you have to convince people to - come work with you, pay attention to you, write press articles about you, advise you and care about you. Let the vision do the convincing. And if you observe investors will bet on the hard one. Do you want the example of the above case? - Elon Musk! Everyone wants to see Elon be successful in his businesses - SpaceX, Neuralink, Tesla & others." What do you think? 💫 Check out my free newsletter for more insights: https://lnkd.in/d3pehJdB . #startup #fundraising #venturecapital #funding #fundraising #founders #founderjourney #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #founderstories #startuptips #siliconvalley #startups #vc #vcfund #vcfunding #funding #startups