EUVC VC | E480 | Evan Finkel, Carmen Alfonso & Andreas Holm on Fundraising Fog, LP Red Flags & the Real Meaning of “Edge”
May 31, 2025
Evan Finkel, a savvy LP with keen insights on venture capital, and Carmen Alfonso, a brand expert from Cocoa, dive into the nuances of fundraising. They discuss the myth of easy fundraises and the power of brutal honesty in communications. The duo emphasizes preparation as a crucial superpower and underscores the need for authentic storytelling in pitch decks. Important red flags for LPs are highlighted, including the significance of feedback and the need for genuine connections over polished presentations.
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The Brutal Reality of Fundraising
- Raising a fund is extremely hard, and most prospective GPs cannot clearly explain their unique differentiation.
- Brutal honesty and clear expectation management are essential for success in venture fundraising.
Seek Brutal Feedback Early
- Seek feedback from people who will give you raw, honest critiques about your unique angle before fundraising.
- Avoid only asking friends who won't challenge your thesis and may lull you into a false sense of readiness.
Understanding the Real Meaning of Edge
- The concept of "edge" is often misunderstood as just a thesis.
- True edge combines a unique thesis, your past experience, firm flywheels, market knowledge, and capital allocation skills.