Fundraising is similar to hiring; it's essential to align with investors who believe in your mission and product.

When fundraising, it's crucial to find partners who align with your values and vision, as the relationship is akin to a marriage that requires mutual understanding and trust.

When forming new game teams, we look for individuals who can achieve a lot with very few resources, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit.

YC's nonprofit program has evolved, and we have learned that being surrounded by energetic for-profit startups is a significant advantage for nonprofit founders.

Investors primarily look for great teams and well-thought-out ideas; having a compelling story can be just as important as traction when seeking funding.

When evaluating applications, we look at how well the founders know each other and their history together, as a strong relationship is crucial for co-founding teams.

When fundraising, it's essential to align your presentation with your true beliefs about your business rather than trying to tell investors what you think they want to hear. Investors are looking for conviction and a well-thought-out idea, not just a polished pitch.

The most crucial qualities for early founding teams are passion, resilience, and grit, especially when facing challenges without clear data to validate their path.

Fundraising isn't just about securing cash; it's about finding the right partners who believe in your vision and can help you bring it to life.