Afleveringen
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In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason breaks down what it really means to fundraise in an AI-dominated world. If youâre not building core AI infrastructure, how should you position your startup? He explains why every founder needs an AI storyâone rooted in how the tech impacts your product, operations, and long-term defensibility.
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In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason reflects on a recent conversation with a robotics founder that reminded him how powerful it is to focus on what actually matters. From skipping the company name to delaying fundraising, the founder made unconventional decisions that signal discipline, clarity, and real momentum. Jason breaks down why avoiding âplaying startupâ and doing the unsexy work is often what sets great founders apart.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, we share a powerful lesson from a recent pitch practice session with a founder whose natural charisma backfired. While being articulate and engaging can be a superpower, it can also lead to rambling when clarity matters most. We talk about why âless is moreâ applies just as much to live pitches as it does to pitch decksâand how embracing silence can actually project more confidence. If youâve ever talked yourself in circles during a meeting, this oneâs for you.
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In this episode we share the fundraising version of product market fitâwhat it feels like when a VC starts dreaming alongside you. We break down what that moment looks like, why it matters, and how to set up your pitch to create that kind of pull.
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In this episode of The Back Channel, I reflect on a recent visit to Harvard Business School where I coached founders in Jeff Bussgangâs Launching Tech Ventures class. I break down one of the biggest fundraising mistakes I saw, how founders frame their problem space, and share advice on how to fix it.
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In this episode, we explore how one small act of generosity can shape long-term relationships in venture capital. Jason shares a story from a recent trip back to Harvard Business School, where a simple coffee chat from a decade ago turned into a meaningful connection with a now-prominent VC. He reflects on what true network-building looks likeâwhy helping others when it's easy can lead to unexpected returns years later.
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Alex Salazar didnât need to prove he could build a company. Heâd already done that and sold it, then spent time as a VC, and had the kind of background that usually makes raising money the easy part. But when he started Arcade, he decided to do things differently. In this episode, we talk about what it means to go back to zero even when you donât have to. Alex shares why he and his co-founder stayed in stealth, how they tested product ideas without writing a single line of code, and what it took to get real traction in a category moving as fast as AI. We get into opportunity selection, investor conviction, and what it actually looks like when someone gets preempted before theyâre even out fundraising. Arcade eventually closed a $12M round... but the process behind that raise had very little to do with pattern-matching or momentum. It was all about building something that hit a nerve.
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In this episode of The Back Channel, we talk about the pressure founders feel to pitch a massive vision â and what actually makes that land with investors. VCs need to believe in billion-dollar outcomes, but that doesnât mean you should throw out the biggest idea you can think of. Credibility, traction, and storytelling all shape how your vision is received. We also revisit the Airbnb pitch and why their big thinking worked â and how yours can too.
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In this episode, we'll talk about green flagsâthe little things founders say or do that quietly leave a strong impression on investors. I share a story about a first-time founder at one of our events who said two things that really stood out. They werenât flashy, but they revealed a surprising level of maturity... and theyâre the kind of signals that stick.
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In this episode of The Backchannel, we break down a simple but powerful equation to help founders understand why some investor meetings turn into momentumâand others fall flat. We share a personal story that sparked the idea, then introduce the concept of Time Given (TG) minus Time to Interest (TTI) as a way to diagnose and improve your fundraising outcomes. If you're stuck wondering why some pitches connect and others donât, this framework might give you a clearer path forward.
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In this episode of The Backchannel, we start with a tweet from Peter Walker at Carta and dig into what it means when a big chunk of LPs in smaller funds are just regular individuals. If youâre raising a sub-$100M fundâor thinking about itâthereâs some stuff here that might make you pause, maybe even rethink how youâre approaching your next raise. Founders should listen too, since this affects how and when capital actually makes its way into startups.
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Is pre-seed fundraising harder than ever? In this episode of The Backchannel, we break down how expectations for early-stage startups have shifted. Investors now demand more proofâtraction, paying customers, and even product buildsâbefore writing checks. Why? A mix of AI-driven productivity, global talent access, and the lingering effects of the post-ZIRP investment climate. If youâre a founder navigating this new reality, this episode will help you understand what it takes to stand out. Learn how to adapt, leverage AI tools, and make progress without investor capital. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve.
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Raising money isnât just about convincing investorsâitâs about surviving long enough to do it. Brian Sheng, founder of Aquaria, bootstrapped millions of his own dollars, ran relentless product-market fit experiments, and faced rejection after rejection before securing a $112M round to scale his breakthrough water technology. We dive into the toughest moments of his fundraising journey, the insight that finally got investors on board, and the mindset that kept him pushing forward. If youâre a founder struggling to raise capital, this episode is a must-listen.
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Setting deadlines in fundraising can be a powerful toolâor a costly mistake. In this episode of The BackChannel, we break down how founders should think about creating urgency without scaring off investors. Learn why setting deadlines too early can backfire, how to structure a process that keeps investors engaged, and why a well-placed deadline can actually help VCs prioritize your deal. If you're raising money and wondering how to create momentum without turning investors away, this one's for you.
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Investors love to test founders with tough questionsâbut what if you donât know the answer? In this episode, we break down a real pitch meeting where a simple misunderstanding derailed the conversation. Learn how to handle tricky investor questions, when to ask for clarification, and why truly knowing your business makes all the difference.
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In this episode of the Back Channel, we explore the art of storytelling and the balance between hard facts and narrative. A founderâs question sparks a conversation about when to lean on data and when to let the story take center stage. Tune in for thought-provoking insights on crafting compelling narratives without getting bogged down in numbers.
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Most founders assume venture capital is the only way to fund their startup, but is it really the right path for you? In this episode of The Backchannel, we challenge the default fundraising mindset, breaking down why so many founders skip critical early steps. We'll shares insights on evaluating your real needs, exploring alternative funding options, and learning from those whoâve been in your shoes. Before you start pitching, make sure youâre not heading in the wrong direction.
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In this episode of The Backchannel, Iâm sharing some thoughts on goals for the yearâwhat Iâm focusing on, whatâs working so far, and what still needs improvement. From business to personal challenges, Iâm experimenting with new approaches and seeing where they lead. If youâve set goals for yourself, Iâd love to hear them. Letâs keep each other accountable!
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How do you convince investors to back you when your companyâs growth has been stagnant? In this episode, we explore a question from a founder about breaking through that barrier. Weâll dive into what investors are really looking for, the importance of showing a shift or inflection point in your business, and how to craft a compelling story about the future. Plus, some thoughts on when itâs time to step back and rethink your approach before seeking investment.
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In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason reflects on his own fundraising experience and breaks down the layers of what it really takes to secure investor commitments. Using his 2017 fundraise as a backdrop, he shares insights on the role of connections, the limits of those advantages, and why getting your foot in the door is just the beginning. Whether you're a founder navigating the challenges of raising capital or just curious about the process, this episode offers a candid look at the dynamics of building relationships, crafting a compelling story, and making your pitch count.
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