The Startup Podcast Top 7 Mistakes Founders Make in Raising Early Stage VC w/ Amir Shevat (Edu)
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Jul 7, 2025 Amir Shevat, General Partner at Darkmode Ventures and former executive at tech giants like Google and Twitter, joins the conversation. He reveals critical insights about the seven common mistakes founders make when raising early-stage VC. Discover why VC isn't the right choice for every startup and learn how to avoid capturing ‘dumb money.’ Amir uncovers pitfalls in cap tables, the importance of targeting the right investors, and strategies for managing investor timelines. He emphasizes nurturing relationships, even amidst rejection, to foster a thriving startup ecosystem.
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Not All Startups Need VC
- Not all startups need to raise venture capital (VC); some can be profitable businesses without VC funding.
- VC funding suits high-risk, high-growth startups aiming to scale massively, not smaller profitable businesses.
Avoid Cap Table Chaos
- Avoid cap table chaos like party rounds with too many small investors.
- Keep founders' equity healthy; under 60% founder ownership scares future investors.
Raise Right Amount and Valuation
- Raise enough money to avoid constant fundraising distractions, but avoid over-raising that increases burn rate.
- Aim to give away 15-25% equity; calculate valuation based on the round size and desired dilution.