The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch 20VC: The Ultimate Episode For Emerging Managers: How To Determine How Big A Fund To Raise, What Is The Right Closing Strategy With LPs & Why We Will Not See The Eradication of Pre-Seed with John Fein, Founder & Managing Partner @ Firebrand Ventures
Oct 7, 2019
In this discussion, John Fein, Founder and Managing Partner at Firebrand Ventures, shares his journey from pharmaceuticals to venture capital. He delves into the challenges of raising a first-time fund without an existing network, revealing insights on effective closing strategies and funding amounts. John also tackles the confusion surrounding seed stage definitions, emphasizing the need for clarity in early investments. His perspective on building trust with founders highlights the vital role of emotional intelligence in venture partnerships.
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John Fein's Winding Road to Venture
- John Fein's career path spanned from early internet startups to a large healthcare corporation before returning to the startup world.
- He transitioned from scaling a multi-billion dollar pharmacy operation to running Techstars and finally founding Firebrand Ventures.
Fundraising for First-Time Funds
- Publicly announce your fund before raising capital to create momentum and pressure.
- Start fundraising within your local network, leveraging introductions to build credibility.
Closing Strategy for First-Time Funds
- Close funding rounds frequently to secure commitments and demonstrate progress.
- Regular closing builds trust and encourages further investment, particularly from first-time LPs.
