You can never sell your startup; it can only be bought, so always frame discussions around fundraising instead.

Create a compelling narrative around your product and future rather than just relying on a pitch deck; storytelling is key in fundraising. When raising funds, clearly state your valuation cap, but be open to negotiation if it's perceived as too high.

Storytelling is crucial in fundraising, especially in the early phases, to resonate with investors and convey the business's potential.

Engaging in acquisition conversations can be distracting and demoralizing. Founders should only entertain such discussions if they are genuinely willing to sell the company.

The most important aspect of fundraising is to get it done so you can focus on building your company.

During fundraising, focus on meetings that are likely to lead to investment. If a conversation isn't going in a favorable direction, steer it back to the path that leads to funding.

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.

When pitching, it's crucial to sell the dream and not just focus on the current state of the company, as venture capitalists are looking for upside maximization.

In the early stages of fundraising, it's common for the entire team to focus on raising funds, which can slow down company operations, so it's important to balance fundraising with maintaining business growth.