Fundraising is the number one focus for Israeli #founders.
In taking feedback from my recent survey, https://lnkd.in/efvpYYCT, fundraising seems to be what most founders are focused on this quarter. The beginning of 2024 has been much more active on the #VC side, and the market seems to have stabilized. This is good news for many CEOs who have delayed #fundraising to the point where they have more to show… and where the timing feels more “right”.
Yet, navigating the world of fundraising for early-stage Israeli startups in today's economic climate is a challenging endeavor.
Rounds take longer to close.
#Investors look for more data points.
Relationship-building between founders and investors is a real thing again.
Here are some points to keep in mind as you get ready to raise your next round:
Get your story right - Seriously. I see many founders creating complicated decks and diving into unnecessary details. Make it simple... investors are flooded with decks, emails, texts, and phone calls. Getting the story right, and grabbing their attention is a good place to start, no matter the stage of the company.
Leverage your network - The importance of a strong network cannot be overstated, especially now. Reach out to your current investors, advisors, and strong connections for advice, warm intros, and potential funding opportunities. Many of them cannot just open doors, but follow-up with their contacts after the connection is made. Backchanneling is one of the most underestimated elements of fundraising.
Do your research - Don’t just ask for an intro to fund X, Y, or Z. Which partner in the firm is most interested in your space? How many investments have they made in the past 12 months? Does the fund have fresh capital or is it towards the end of their investment period? These are all important things to know before asking for an intro or meeting with VCs.
Resilience is paramount - Fundraising can be a long and difficult process, but resilience and adaptability are key. Keep refining your pitch and keep your eye on the ball. Eventually, a lot of it is about consistency, and not giving up.
Remember, fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint.
Stay positive, stay focused, stay connected, and keep your energies high.
As we’re deep into Q2, many funds are looking for interesting opportunities and startups to invest in.
We, at 97212 Ventures, are extremely active so feel free to reach out if you’re at the pre-seed or seed stage.
#venturecapital
#startups
#nyctech