Founders should prepare for investor meetings by expecting negative feedback and being ready for tough questions, which helps avoid discouragement.

It's important for investors to challenge founders on their decisions, as this can lead to better outcomes and improvements in the startup's direction.

Investors should maintain a supportive role, helping founders navigate challenges rather than prioritizing their own interests, which can lead to detrimental outcomes for the startup.

As a founder, it's important to believe the 'no' from investors but not necessarily the reasons behind it, as they often lack transparency.

Founders should be able to hold a strong belief in their vision while also being receptive to criticism and market realities that may challenge their initial ideas.

Avoid overwhelming founders with unsolicited advice unless you are investing, as it can be perceived as unhelpful and counterproductive.

When an investor says no, founders should take notes on the feedback but not internalize it as a reflection of their worth or the company's potential.

In our culture, we emphasize the importance of telling the truth to entrepreneurs, even if it means they might not like you for it. It's crucial to provide honest feedback, such as when a founder needs to make tough decisions about their team or financial plans, rather than just being friendly.

It's crucial for founders to pitch to many investors to gather consistent feedback, as only then can they determine if the reasons for rejection are valid data points.