How to fundraise in the US (key masterclass learnings + recording)
2 weeks ago, we hosted an incredible masterclass on fundraising in the US, featuring Valerie Bertele from Yellow Rocks. If you missed it, don’t worry—we recorded the session, and it’s now available for everyone to watch! 🎬 Watch the Masterclass
Here are some key takeaways and tips from Valerie’s masterclass that will get you excited to dive into the video:
Key Insights:
First-Generation Family Offices: Valerie highlighted why first-generation family offices are your best bet for raising investments. These investors have a more personal connection to their money, making them more flexible and approachable.
Follow Up Relentlessly: Persistence is key in the US venture scene. Valerie stressed the importance of following up, even if you don’t get a response immediately. Investors want to see that you’re a hustler who can close deals and negotiate effectively.
Timing is Everything: Understanding the US funding calendar can significantly improve your chances of success. Valerie shared that April, May, August, and September are prime times for closing deals due to tax returns and budget planning.
Must-Know Tips:
Build Long-Term Relationships: Don’t just aim for a quick investment. Cultivate long-term relationships with investors, as they can provide support beyond just financial backing.
Be Honest and Transparent: Always be upfront with your investors. If they find out you’ve misled them, you’ll lose their trust forever.
Network in the Right Places: Know where to find your investors. Valerie mentioned key spots like coffee shops around Sand Hill Road and Presidio in San Francisco, where you’re likely to bump into VCs.
Practical Advice:
Keep it Simple: When pitching, make sure your business idea is easy to understand. Focus on who you are, what you do, and what you need.
Know Your Metrics: Be prepared to discuss key startup metrics like monthly revenue growth and burn rate. Investors want to see that you understand your business inside out.
Leverage Your Network: Use your connections strategically. A warm introduction from a mutual contact can make all the difference.
Valerie’s insights are a goldmine for anyone looking to break into the US market. Whether you’re a seasoned founder or just starting out, this masterclass is packed with valuable information that can help you succeed.
Stay tuned for more exciting events and updates. And remember, Valerie will be back in London in September for another masterclass. If you’re interested in joining, drop me a message!
Happy fundraising! 🚀
FEATURED EVENT🔥
Rare Founders
Investor & founder conference + Demo Day (Season 1 Episode 2)
This October 14th, 2024, we’re bringing you the 2nd episode of Rare Founders Demo Day: same place, same format, all new experience. London’s Largest Demo Day is back!
Last time, we welcomed almost 800 guests throughout the day, and the feedback was wildly supportive.
So, are you going to be joining us? Grab your super-early-bird tickets here while they last!
Founders interested in pitching, click here to hear more when applications open.
If you’re an investor, we’re looking for investor partners once again to help make this happen; click here to learn more about that and apply.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be announcing the partners, sponsors, and more that are making all of this possible. If you want to be one of them, drop a line to [email protected]
Thanks for being a part of this journey to reshape the startup ecosystem!
In-person event
14 October 2024, Mayfair, London
MORE RARE FOUNDERS EVENTS🔥
Rare Founders
Startup Run
Bi-weekly 5k running events for anyone in the startup ecosystem, followed by networking drinks in the nearby pub. Same time same, place.
In-person event
Green Park, London, W1J 9DZ, UK
Thu 27 June, 18:00 - 22:00 BST
Rare Founders
Open mic pitching and Networking
This time, we are adding a bit of a twist to our open mic pitching and networking event. A partner from a UK-based VC will join us to share what he learned during his trip to the US and after meeting with 35 VC funds. This event is going to be super popular, so grab your ticket now.
In-person event
Blue Marlin Ibiza London, 45 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT, UK
Tue 30 July, 18:00 - 23:00 BST
OTHER EVENTS❤️
SeedLegals
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An unfiltered fireside chat about founders’ resilience.
The series bring together a distinguished panel of investors, founders, and therapists to share their insights and experiences.
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Thu 27 June, 18:00 - 19:00 BST
Sustainable Ventures
ClimateQueers - Pride Launch
Join for drinks and a discussion of the importance of climate action and the role of diverse thinking in developing innovative solutions, and some music.
In-person event
Waterloo area, London, UK
Thu 27 June, 18:00 - 20:00 BST
Supporting Crypto
Sporting Crypto SOCIAL IX
Join the 4th London SOCIAL event, that will bring together 100+ leaders in Web3 & Sports for great networking, including food and drinks.
In-person event
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AI Forge
AI Summer Beach Party 🏖️
Join for a mix of free drinks, pitching competition, AI talks and trends, and fun beach activities.
In-person event
London City Beach, Upper Ground, London, SE1 9EY, UK
Tue 2 July, 12:00-16:00 BST
SeedLegals
How to Build an 'Investor-Ready' Financial Model
In this seminar, Joe Hartman, Founder of GRAY Financial Modelling, will explain why a financial forecast is so important and reveal what investors are looking for when they assess your financial forecast model. He will also provide actionable techniques to structure your model and elevate it to ‘investor-ready’ status.
Online event
Tue 2 July, 12:30 - 13:30 BST
PitchingClub
Pitching practice
Connect, share, and learn in a supportive environment designed to elevate your presentation skills.
Online event
Tue 2 July, 19:30 - 20:30 BST
Wilson Sonsini
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Join for a summer BBQ to celebrate America’s Birthday.
In-person event
Russel Square, London, WC1B 4HP, UK
Wed 3 July, 18:00 - 21:00 BST
Colorintech
Co-Founder Matching
Colorintech invites you to the Co-Founder Matching Evening as part of their new Co-founder matching tool creation and kickoff. This event is designed to help tech professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs find their ideal co-founders.
In-person event
London, UK
Wed 3 July, 18:00 - 20:30 BST
HotBed
Hotbed Expand Demo Day
Join Hotbed Expand Demo Day to watch 6 startups from their recent Hotbed Expand cohort showcase their product.
In-person event
Liverpool street ares, London, UK
Thu 4 July, 18:00 - 20:00 BST
Vasily Alekseenko Rare Founders
Rare Founders - building the bridge between founders and investors via regular in-person and online events, meetups, conferences.
