How do you support founders facing tough challenges?

Josh Kopelman

Founder and Partner · First Round Capital

Unwavering support

Josh Kopelman says he owes founders his unwavering support after offering his unvarnished opinion, because he is only one data point and founders have far more context.

🚀Michal Rokosz

Partner

Helping with one or two roadblocks

Michal Rokosz says he helps by clearing one or two roadblocks along the way, a thing he loves doing after meeting someone who believes they can change the world.

David Weisburd

Founder · Weisburd Capital

Building rapport

David Weisburd says he tries to build rapport with founders, asking why they named their company to read whether they have an emotional connection to the problem or brand, because he wants to see attachment.

The answer starts at 2:31.

Ben Horowitz

Horowitz · Andreessen Horowitz

Building a network

Ben Horowitz says the most valuable thing his firm could provide entrepreneurs is building a network, so founders can call people who know what they're going through and can help.

The answer starts at 17:42.

Kenan Saleh

Investment Partner · Andreessen Horowitz

Inception funding

Kenan Saleh says they give founders inception funding so they can quit their jobs and build full time, investing almost as early as possible.

Morgan Hitzig

General Partner · Overmatch Ventures

One believer

Morgan Hitzig says the biggest thing for founders struggling to fundraise is that it only takes one believer, so instead of trying to talk to a hundred, they should pick 10 with similar backgrounds or connections and ask for advice.

The answer starts at 31:43.

Itamar Novick

Founder & General Partner · Recursive Ventures

Help raise next round

Itamar Novick says the most important value add is helping founders raise their next round, saying that is what good VCs focus on.

The answer starts at 41:48.

Michael Patrick Gibson

Founder and General Partner · 1517 Fund

Conviction and support

Michael Patrick Gibson says the most important support for early founders is conviction and support when no one else gives it, calling it one of the strongest value adds early-stage funds can offer and a morale boost.

The answer starts at 18:11.

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Ian Rountree

General Partner · Cantos

Deep partnership

Ian Rountree says his firm is about deep partnership with the entrepreneurs they back, being more aligned than other investors because they write the first check, and often their first call.

The answer starts at 10:49.

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Steve Kupfer

Partner · Reach Capital

Respect and encouragement

Steve Kupfer says the job of board members and early backers is to respect and encourage founders, acting as supporter, coach and friend who reminds them why they took the leap, since that reinforcement may be what drives them onward.