Founders often need to build conviction in their own ideas before seeking validation from others, including investors.

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

I believe the best founders are those who have a personal connection to the problem they are solving, rather than just chasing trends.

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.

A great founder should have an investment thesis that outlines their vision and how they plan to adapt based on market feedback and data.

Founders should seek ground truth answers from customers rather than relying on authority figures for validation of their ideas. Investors often misunderstand that founders need ground truth to validate their ideas, rather than just applying solutions from one context to another.

The key takeaway for founders is to believe the no and not the why, maintaining confidence and understanding that there are always more investors to approach.

The best founders are those who truly understand the problem they are solving, which drives their persistence even in tough times.

Investors should not just be a source of money; they can be incredible assets for your company's growth if they believe in your vision and share your values.