Building relationships with investors is crucial. It's important to keep talking to potential investors even when you don't need their money, as they will build conviction in your company over time.

A good investor will listen to your pitch and envision the potential success of your startup, rather than just poking holes in your idea.

The best way to convince investors is to start a startup that is actually doing well, meaning it is growing fast.

When you don't need investment, investors often come back wanting to provide more funding, which highlights the importance of leverage in business.

The story of your startup must be interesting and believable, representing a large opportunity that investors can envision as successful.

Engaging directly with customers as a founder can create a strong impression and foster trust, making it easier to build relationships and gain feedback.

For tiny startups, investors may not fund them anyway, so it's important to say what they want to hear to capture their interest for future opportunities.

The difference between pitching to customers and pitching to investors is significant; customers understand the problem you're solving, while investors may not have that same understanding and are primarily interested in the potential for building a large company.

Building relationships with partners and founders is essential, especially in the early stages of a startup, as it can lead to valuable opportunities.