

ANGEL: Upfront’s Mark Suster on the power of alignment, setting reality, and raising capital | E1683
4 snips Feb 22, 2023
Mark Suster, a partner at Upfront Ventures and seasoned entrepreneur, shares his insights on aligning board members and navigating market cycles in venture capital. He reflects on the challenges founders face in today's startup landscape and the importance of cohesive relationships with investors. The discussion highlights the three key variables VCs must consider and the power of being mission-aligned. Mark also emphasizes strategic planning for crisis management and leveraging data to overcome competition in a rapidly changing market.
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Market Cycles
- Venture capital markets tend to overcorrect during financial crises.
- This creates opportunities for founders who can raise capital in down markets.
Founding in Downturns
- Starting a company during a downturn offers advantages like better talent acquisition and less competition.
- Secure funding when others struggle to gain an edge.
Rushed Fundraising
- Compressed fundraising timelines negatively impact founder-VC relationships.
- Thorough due diligence and relationship building are crucial for long-term success.