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

As a founder, it's essential to set the tone with your investors, encouraging them to provide constructive criticism rather than just positive affirmations.

In discussions about competition, it's beneficial to ask founders how they plan to win against competitors rather than making them defensive about their market position.

When saying no to a founder, it's best to communicate directly and provide reasons if appropriate, rather than ghosting them.

Great founders can articulate their vision clearly and move quickly; if I struggle to understand their plan, it's a red flag.

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.

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

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 important for founders to clearly communicate what they do in a way that anyone, including their grandparents, can understand, as this aids in word-of-mouth growth.