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Atmrix

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Atmrix

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YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/18/23

@ Y Combinator

When investors prioritize language lessons over business discussions, it’s usually a bad sign for the pitch's outcome.

Video

YC

Startup Experts Share Their Investor Horror Stories

@ Y Combinator

Startup Experts Share Their Investor Horror Stories

08/18/23

Related Takeaways

YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/18/23

@ Y Combinator

In a meeting with a famous VC, the investor wasted time asking about my co-founder’s Chinese language skills instead of focusing on our business pitch, which felt inappropriate and frustrating.

MS

Michael Seibel

03/15/19

@ Y Combinator

In contrast, when pitching to investors, avoid jargon and use clear, understandable language, as they may not grasp the problem you're addressing.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

05/21/16

@ Y Combinator

It's really bad to go into a meeting with an investor and not understand the specific terms being negotiated.

TF

Talia Frenkel

05/21/16

@ Y Combinator

When pitching to investors, it's crucial to speak their language, focusing on growth, traction, and market opportunity, especially when discussing products that address serious pain points.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/18/23

@ Y Combinator

The worst investor meeting can leave you feeling like you no longer want to pursue your business.

MS

Michael Seibel

03/15/19

@ Y Combinator

Marketing language can be misleading; it often contains fluff that investors must sift through to understand your actual proposition.

NB

Nate Blecharczyk

10/26/13

@ Y Combinator

During investor meetings, we faced challenges, including one investor leaving mid-pitch, which highlighted our lack of readiness.

GR

Geoff Ralston

10/11/18

@ Y Combinator

Listening during investor meetings is crucial; it's a conversation, not a monologue, and their feedback can be invaluable even if they decline to invest.

IP

Ilkka Paananen

04/03/25

@ a16z speedrun

When pitching to investors, it's crucial to communicate a bold vision and demonstrate that your team is capable of executing it, rather than focusing on exit strategies.