Desperation is hard to hide, especially in fundraising; a calm, take-it-or-leave-it attitude is more effective than frantic behavior.

Fundraising as a non-profit is challenging because you often need to approach many individuals to raise smaller amounts, unlike for-profits that can seek larger sums from fewer investors.

In fundraising, start by pitching to someone you know won't invest; it helps you practice and get the jitters out before approaching serious investors.

It's crucial to raise more money than you think you need to reach a significant milestone, as raising too much can lead to inefficiency and a lack of sharpness in operations.

People are often too nice to say no, which can lead to endless waiting and frustration in fundraising efforts.

Fundraising can be a slow and demoralizing process, especially when trying to convince the first few investors to back your idea.

Many founders mistakenly believe their fundraising experience will mirror that of others based on anecdotal evidence, leading to unrealistic expectations about their own fundraising efforts.

Choose your valuation carefully; too high can scare off investors, while too low can lead to excessive dilution. The goal is to get the money in the bank and get back to work. Don't over-optimize your fundraising process; focus on the essentials instead.

Learning to simplify your pitch to its essentials is a crucial skill for success in fundraising and pitching.