268: How to Align Founders and Investors (Before Things Go Wrong)

Most founders think securing investors will solve all their problems.

But fundraising often creates a new set of challenges—misaligned expectations, endless reporting requests, and pressure that pulls focus from building the business.

The truth is, raising capital isn’t just about money. 

It’s about relationships, trust, and knowing when to push back.

In this episode, you’ll learn from Jeffrey Fidelman, founder and managing director of Fidelman & Company, which is on Inc.’s list of America’s fastest-growing companies.

Jeffrey has worked at Morgan Stanley, been a partner at a venture fund, and now advises early and mid-stage companies on growth and fundraising strategy.

He shares what founders should realistically expect from investors, how to set boundaries without burning bridges, and why today’s tools—like AI and no-code—make it possible to show traction before raising a single dollar

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why some investors secretly derail startups — and how to spot them early
• The hidden risk of over-delivering for your investors (and how to say no)
• How no-code and AI tools can replace your first $250K in funding
• The newsletter strategy smart founders use to turn interest into investment

Resources from this Episode

Free class: Build a startup without learning to code https://www.techfornontechies.co/freeclass

Fidelman & Co https://fidelmanco.com/

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection https://amzn.to/3HPMHRG

Financial Times: Being an angel investor is tougher than it looks https://on.ft.com/4oDoQFD

Growth Through Innovation

If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here.

Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/268-how-to-align-founders-and-investors-before-things-go-wrong