In VC, before you pitch investors, you’re expected to get some initial cash from friends and family. Getting this money is a critical first step for a new startup. But what if your friends and family aren’t wealthy? Two founders tell us what that experience is like, and how it’s shaped the way VC investors view their companies.
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Sep 30
#189 Wonderade: Juice, Protein, or a Brand?
After founding two successful beverage companies, Soylent and Kin, Matt Cauble is ready for his toughest customer yet – kids. Will the VCs snap, crackle, invest in his protein packed juice? This is The Pitch for Wonderade. Featuring investors Charles Hudson, Ellie Bahrmasel, Eliz ... Show More
52m 52s
Sep 23
#188 Church AI: Deploying God's Agents
Four years ago, Iryll helped a friend plant a church and learned just how much time pastors spend doing admin. Now he's raising $600,000 for Church AI, an operating system that runs the back office so pastors can get back to their people. But will the church market sound big enou ... Show More
51m 1s
Feb 2025
The Right (And Wrong) Way To Spend Money At Your Startup
<p>Many startups fail because they run out of money. So how should you think about how to spend the money you raise?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Office Hours, YC General Partners Brad Flora, Pete Koomen, Nicolas Dessaigne, and Gustaf Alströmer discuss how to spend respons ... Show More
29m 6s
Nov 2023
First Time Founders with Ed Elson — ft. Andrew Benin and Allen Dushi of Graza
Ed interviews the founders of Graza, an olive oil startup, about their path to founding the company, the merits and challenges of their partnership, and how they think about money and success.
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45m 40s
Jun 2025
Episode 18 - Early-Stage vs. Growth-Stage Funding From Idea to Investment
In this episode, we’ll explore what sets these two funding stages apart, what investors look for at each stage, and how you can position your startup to attract the right type of investment when the time comes. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a big idea, a startup fo ... Show More
19m 6s
Nov 2022
What It Takes To Earn Capital Funding
<p>Sometimes, in order to secure the capital you need to start your business, you have to look beyond typical crowdfunding and kickstarter campaigns. Robin Axon, Managing Partner at Mantella Venture Partners and an early stage investor in QuickPlay Media, Ritual, and Shoppe AI, s ... Show More
32m 39s