123. VC Fundraising: The Do's and Don'ts From Founders Who Raised

Rise and Play Podcast

In this episode focused on fundraising, we hear the stories of three powerful women and founders who raised with VCs in seed and round A between 2015 and 2023. All you need to know while you are fundraising with VCs in 2024, and asking yourself, is this the right path for you?

• Julia Palatovska, Dorian Games, $19M raised.


• Aurora Klæboe Berg, Megacool and Medal TV, $60M raised.


• Ioana Hreninciuc, Runware (PicFinder), $3M raised.

Host, Sophie Vo alongside founders Julia Palatovska, Aurora Klæboe Berg, and Ioanna Hreninciuc, share their firsthand experiences and lessons learned from fundraising with VCs, including the importance of iteration on the pitch, building a strong team of co-founders, and the journey from concept to securing investments, as a major responsibility of a CEO role.

We cover the different fundraising rounds, the impact of investors' feedback, and strategies for creating a compelling pitch. Additionally, the episode covers the dynamics of working with co-founders, the realities versus expectations of fundraising, and practical advice for other founders navigating their fundraising efforts in 2024 and beyond.

01:37 The Realities of VC Fundraising: Stories from the Front Lines

07:32 Hope vs. Reality: The Fundraising Experience

21:38 Navigating Feedback and holding Vision in Fundraising

30:10 FOMO, Fundraising Matchmaking

38:05 Advice for Future Fundraisers in 2024

Episode available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Sig-w3_2aYo

Learn more about Aurora's journey: Our Roller Coaster $1.6m Seed Fundraise

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