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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Mar 2026
#182 LIVE in NYC: 3 Startups, 3 Investors, 15 Minutes to Invest
Live from New York, it's... The Pitch! Uche AI, greenIRR, and Wiggle Room were given just 15 minutes to pitch at the SEEN Summit hosted by Visible Hands. But is 15 minutes enough time to secure our first ever investment on a live show? This is The Pitch for Uche AI, greenIRR, and ... Show More
1h 3m
Mar 2026
#181 ROOK: The VC Vibe Check
Marco Benitez moved his family to the US to build Rook, an API for wearables. But when a familiar face shows up in The Pitch Room, he learns just how much vibes matter in venture. This is The Pitch for Rook. Featuring investors Elizabeth Yin, Jesse Middleton, Laura Lucas, and Mik ... Show More
52m 35s
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
15m 52s
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