Welcome back to another season of VC Minute! We are pleased to introduce our sponsor, AVL Growth Partners. And I talk (briefly) about the #1 thing you should be asking Seed Phase investors right now.

Founders should look beyond dilution in term sheets, focusing on board configuration’s significance and understanding the option pool’s impact. AJ offers words of encouragement, emphasizing resilience and daily learning for success in the competitive market.

AJ provides valuable insights on term sheet structures, evolving clauses, and understanding investor motivations. He offers practical advice on managing tight decision timelines and creating negotiation urgency.

Discover the key questions founders should ask during partner meetings and initial discussions in this insightful episode. AJ encourages founders to be inquisitive about how funds operate and make investment decisions.

AJ outlines his proven approach to fundraising. He stresses the significance of tapping into your network, constructing a narrative-driven pitch deck, and carefully selecting the right partner for your business.

AJ Bruno, QuotaPath’s CEO has raised $70 million for QuotaPath and had a successful sale of TrendKite for $225 million, after multiple rounds of funding. He’s also a father of three and a pilot who does not like the idea of building the plane while flying it.

How Glade Optics organically attracted seasoned operators as investors through a meticulously planned reputation-building strategy

The hidden costs of fee-based lenders and why Glade Optics went with GCVF for better deal terms and invaluable business insights

Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of early struggles and the rewards of reaching a sustainable revenue level

Why Glade Optics chose non-dilutive funding: the dual benefits of protecting equity and gaining mentors