Fundraise
raising capital,
honestly
what investors actually look for, how processes really work, and the things founders wish someone had told them earlier.
Field Notes
The Reference Check They Do On You (Without Telling You)
Before a term sheet lands in your inbox, VCs have already called 5–8 people you didn't list. Here's exactly what they ask — and how to prepare.
Why Your Second Investor Matters More Than Your First
Everyone obsesses over who leads their seed round. The follow-on dynamic — who comes in at Series A and why — is what actually shapes your trajectory.
Revenue-Based Financing: The Fundraising Option Indian Founders Keep Ignoring
If you have recurring revenue and don't want to dilute equity, RBF is a genuine alternative. Here's when it makes sense and when it doesn't.
Secondary Sales for Founders: Taking Chips Off the Table Without Drama
Founder liquidity is real, possible, and normal — but the way you handle it sends a strong signal to investors. Here's the playbook.
The Seed to Series A Valley of Death — and How to Cross It
The gap between seed and Series A has widened to 18–24 months in India. Most founders are underprepared for what it actually takes to survive it.
How to Build a Pitch Deck That Actually Gets Meetings
Most pitch decks are rejected in the first 90 seconds. Here's the anatomy of a deck that earns a second meeting — slide by slide, with the reasoning behind every choice.
The Investor Update / MIS That VCs Actually Read
Most founder updates go unread. The ones that get read — and generate real help from investors — follow a specific format. Here's exactly what to send and when.
How to Raise Your First Round: A Step-by-Step Playbook for Indian Founders
From deciding whether to raise at all, to closing the wire — here's the complete tactical playbook for your first institutional fundraise in India.
SAFE vs. Equity: Which Instrument Should You Use for Your Seed Round?
SAFE notes have taken over US seed rounds. In India, the picture is more complicated. Here's when to use a SAFE, when to go priced, and what founders get wrong about both.
How to Value Your Startup: What Pre-Money Valuation Actually Means
Valuation is one of the most misunderstood concepts in startup fundraising. Here's what pre-money valuation actually means, how it's set in India, and how to think about it without leaving money on the table.
Angel Investors vs. VCs: Which Is Right for Your Round?
Not all capital is the same. Angels and VCs bring different incentives, timelines, expectations, and value-adds. Here's how to choose the right mix for your stage.
Startup Due Diligence: What Investors Check and How to Prepare
Due diligence can kill a deal that should have closed. Here's exactly what investors check, in what order, and how to build a data room that accelerates the process.
Term Sheet Explained: What Every Clause Means and What to Negotiate
A term sheet lands in your inbox and everything looks like jargon. Here's what each clause actually means, which ones matter most, and where founders consistently leave value on the table.
How to Build Investor Relationships Before You Need Money
The founders who close rounds fastest are the ones who started building investor relationships 12 months before they needed capital. Here's how to do it systematically without being annoying.
Cap Table Management: How to Keep Your Ownership Table Fundable
A messy cap table has killed more fundraises than bad pitches. Here's how to structure your cap table from day one and avoid the mistakes that make it uninvestable.