Equity Best of Build Mode: Think like a VC
24 snips
Jul 3, 2026 
Paul Irving, partner at GTMfund, cuts to GTM signals and AI-native distribution. Ross Fubini, managing partner at XYZ VC, explains a fund’s unique value-add around raising the next round. Yuri Sagalov, managing director at General Catalyst, outlines investor types and founder-fit considerations. They discuss choosing investors, differentiated go-to-market moves, ICP focus, and follow-on dynamics.
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Avoid Micromanaging Investors
- Avoid investors who meddle and micromanage; they create stress during inevitable startup struggles.
- Yuri Sagalov recommends favoring investors who act as extended employees or silent backers and steering clear of the third “kitchen meddling” bucket.
Vet Investors By Talking To Their Portfolio
- Talk to a VC's portfolio founders and ask for concrete examples of support, especially how the investor behaved when things went wrong.
- Yuri Sagalov says founders should ask about founders' experiences to reveal whether investors are supportive or intimidating.
VC Value Is Raising The Next Round
- A VC's unique value prop is often plotting the company's path post-investment to help raise the next round.
- Ross Fubini says their job is to raise the next round and offer ecosystem-aware, tactical support like positioning and ASP expansion.