Blog
Everything we know about building a fundable startup
From validating the idea to closing the round: what investors look for, how to show it, and how to get in front of the right ones. Written by Diana and Alex, from 10 years on both sides of the table.
Free guide
Your first 30 days of fundraising
The 5 decisions to make before you approach more investors.
-
Diana DraganYou raised capital, now what?
So you closed the round. The money is in the bank. Now what? Many founders think fundraising is the hard part, but what happens after you raise is what really…
Read the article → -
Alex DraganRaising at the wrong valuation can kill your startup
Valuation isn’t just a number, it’s a make-or-break decision for your fundraising success. Get it wrong, and you could set your startup up for failure before you even begin. Let’s…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Equity isn’t free, use it wisely
I see founders make this mistake all the time. Early-stage founders handing out equity too easily, to advisors, early employees, or even small investors, without realizing how much it costs…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Raising money from VCs shouldn’t be your goal
Instead, focus on building a scalable business. You see… For many founders, raising venture capital feels like the ultimate milestone. Funding rounds get headlines. Investors’ backing seems…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
DON’T “Raise as much as you can.”
“Raise as much as you can.” may sound like good advice. More money means more runway, more hires, more growth. But in reality, raising too much too soon can hurt…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
More pitches or the right pitches?
“Fundraising is a numbers game, just pitch more” You’ve probably heard this advice before The idea that if you just send your deck to more investors, one of them has…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The real fundraising timeline
Most founders underestimate how long fundraising takes. They hear stories of startups closing rounds in just a few weeks, assume investors will decide quickly, and expect that a few meetings…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What goes through investors’ minds when you pitch?
Hint: it’s not about the idea. Most founders think investors evaluate startups based on the idea. They don’t. Investors don’t care if your idea is groundbreaking, clever, or even unique…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
How does Y Combinator investment work?
Let’s say you open a lemonade stand and you need money to buy lemons, sugar, and cups. A nice investor (let’s call them YC) offers to give you $500 to…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
How I assess a pitch deck
When a founder sends me their pitch deck, my job is simple: Analyze it and see if it’s ready for investors. To do that, I go through a checklist: ✔…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Where to raise money for your startup?
Thinking about raising funds for your startup? There are many paths to securing capital, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of key funding options…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Pitching to investors comes down to 1 thing
Pitching to investors is about only 1 thing: ↓ Proving you can execute. At pre-seed and seed, investors aren’t expecting a perfect business. They know: – Things will change –…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Are you backable?
What separates a backable founder from the rest? It’s not just the idea, it’s about who you are and how you lead. Here’s what investors consistently value in founders: 1…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Which pitch deck framework is right for your startup?
Your pitch deck is your startup’s first impression. And just like with first impressions, how you structure it can make or break your chances of standing out. That’s where frameworks…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Why is your pitch deck like your tinder profile?
Think about it: Your pitch deck and your Tinder profile share one big goal, to make a great first impression Here’s why the two are surprisingly alike: 1. You’re competing…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
How to calculate Market Size without lying
Market sizing is one of the most misunderstood and misused parts of a pitch deck. Founders often default to quoting huge, unrealistic numbers like: “The healthcare market is $7.7 trillion…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Create a winning fundraising strategy
Raising an early investment round is more than just reaching out to investors, it’s about crafting the right strategy to target the right people at the right time. Without a…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
How to start fundraising – a step by step guide
Starting your fundraising journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing the capital your startup needs Here’s how to get started:…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Are you backable?
Every founder dreams of being “backable.” It’s that elusive quality that makes investors lean in, take notice, and ultimately say, “I’m in.” But what does it really mean to be…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What’s on investors’ minds when they see a bad pitch deck?
Pitch decks are your first impression on investors, and a bad one can do more harm than you think. Here’s what goes through investors’ minds when they encounter a poorly…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Strategy and personalization are a pitch deck’s best friends
Creating a pitch deck isn’t just about filling slides, it’s about strategy and personalization. Yet, I often see founders make the same mistake: using templates or copying other decks…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Why is accountability key when raising from venture capitalists?
Raising capital from VCs isn’t just about securing funding, it’s about building trust. When VCs invest in your startup, they’re not just buying into your vision; they’re betting on you…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
How to improve your problem slide
The problem slide is one of the most important parts of your pitch deck. It’s where investors decide if they care enough to keep reading. A bad problem slide can…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Better to copy a proven business than build an unvalidated one
Every founder dreams of creating the next big thing. But here’s the hard truth: the most innovative idea in the world means nothing if it isn’t validated. Investors don’t invest…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Focus on the business > focus on the product
One of the biggest pitfalls founders face when raising early investment rounds is focusing only on the product, not the business. It’s easy to get caught up in showcasing your…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Stop overvaluing your startup
When it comes to raising early investment rounds, one of the most common traps founders fall into is overvaluing their startups. While it’s natural to be optimistic about your business,…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Do you know your investor type?
When it comes to raising funds, knowing what type of investor you need is just as important as knowing how much you want to raise. Not all investors are the…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
If you could know only these terms, you’d be way ahead of the herd
The VC world, like any other complex field, is filled with technical jargon. If you want to dive in but don’t understand the terms, you’ll have a tough time. But…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
5 scenarios in which you need or don’t need a product before raising funds
One of the most common questions I hear from founders is this: “Do I need to have a product before raising investment?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Here’s why you shouldn’t rely completely on investment lists
A lot of investment lists are out there—listing investors from various industries, geographies, and stages. On the surface, it sounds like a no-brainer. You get the list, craft a generic…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The modern fundraising
Fundraising has changed. It’s no longer about cold calls and endless networking at events. Today, much of fundraising happens online. Your pitch deck has become the first impression, the…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The Don’ts in raising an early investment round
I’ve been saying it: raising that early round isn’t just about the idea. It’s about avoiding the common traps that can make investors walk away. You’ve probably heard all the…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Bootstrapping won’t get you far, unless …
A lot of people preach bootstrapping, and I get why. Raising funds isn’t easy, and managing relationships with investors can be challenging. They might influence your vision, and you might…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
To Bootstrap or not to Bootstrap?
Every founder faces the big funding question sooner or later: “Should I seek external investment, or should I bootstrap?” Bootstrapping might mean slower growth initially, but it can give…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Under-Promise > Over-Promise
When it comes to fundraising, there’s one golden rule that separates successful startups from those that struggle: under-promise and over-deliver. It may sound simple, but it’s a principle…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
8 answers to prepare before investor negotiations
Stepping into an investor negotiation can feel like facing a high-stakes exam, except you already know the questions in advance! You know them because I am sharing them with you…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Ditch the straight line and embrace realistic projections
In today’s newsletter edition, I want to write about a recent conversation I had with a general partner at a venture capital firm. Amid our discussion on startups, entrepreneurship, and…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
These will stop you from raising an early investment round
Raising an early investment round? This is your shot to make investors pay attention. They’re looking for more than ideas, they want proof you can pull it off. A great…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Where to find the right investors for an early investment round
In today’s edition, I want to address an issue that often trips up founders but doesn’t need to: Finding the right investors Many startups waste time pitching to the wrong…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Are startup pitch competitions worth your time?
As a founder, you’ve likely wondered if standing on a stage, pitching your heart out, is the best way to grow your business. The truth? It’s a double-edged sword. These…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
3 things your pitch deck might be saying about you
When was the last time you looked at your pitch deck and really thought about what it says about your company, and you, as a founder? A pitch deck is…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Why copying Airbnb’s pitch deck won’t work for startups today
Airbnb’s pitch deck has become legendary in the startup world. It’s simple, clean, and played a part in helping the company raise millions. Naturally, many founders think, “If it worked…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Should you seek an “angel” before knocking on a VC’s door?
As you embark on your startup’s fundraising journey, one of the most important strategic decisions is knowing who to raise from at each stage of growth. While VC firms might…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The “How It Works” Slide
When it comes to pitching your startup, you’ve probably heard all about how crucial your problem-solution fit, market opportunity, and financials are. But here’s one element that often gets…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
8 red flags in potential investors
As an entrepreneur, securing the right investor can be the game-changer that propels your startup forward. But choosing the wrong investor can lead to setbacks, conflicts, and even…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Common fundraising problems startups have
In this edition I want to talk about how raising funds is one of the most critical, yet challenging steps for any startup. No matter how innovative your idea is,…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
The 6 biggest red flags in a pitch deck
As you prepare your pitch deck, it’s crucial to put your best foot forward. While a strong deck can open doors to funding, a flawed one can shut them quickly…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Raising startup funding in 2024
They say that raising capital in 2024 is not what it used to be so let’s see why. (This is longer than usual, but bear with me, it’s important for…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
10 reasons why entrepreneurs don’t raise from VCs
We all know that raising capital from venture capitalists is a game-changer for your entrepreneurs, but many struggle to secure funding, not because their ideas lack potential, but because…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The 3 scenarios you need in your financial model
I recently had a client ask me a great question while we were working on their financial model: “Why do we need 3 scenarios? I only want one.” It’s a…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What is the business model?
Another common question investors ask founders, especially in the early investment rounds is, “What is the business model?” This question can go far beyond a simple answer. Why do investors…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The funding process from a VC perspective
Ever wondered what steps a VC takes before writing you that check? It’s not just about a great pitch or a groundbreaking idea. So today I want to talk about…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
One of the most important questions investors ask founders
What is the potential exit for investors? In today’s edition I want to dive into this topic and explore the various ways you can answer it effectively. But first of…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
9 questions to define your startup’s stage
I’ve noticed there’s some confusion around what it means to be an “early-stage” startup. With so many different definitions floating around, it’s easy to get lost in the terminology. So,…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Where did the idea come from?
This is one of the most common questions investors ask founders. While the idea itself might not carry as much weight as the execution, the story behind the idea’s genesis…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
How do I present my product in a pitch deck?
Have you ever wondered how to present your product in a pitch deck? How to make it stand out and capture investors’ attention? It’s not just about listing features; it’s…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What kind of investors are you looking for?
In today’s competitive landscape, raising capital has become the ultimate goal for many entrepreneurs. It’s often seen as a binary achievement, either you have the funding or you don’t. As…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
“Storytelling is the MOST important in your pitch deck”
This is a lie. Read through the end to find out exactly why, step-by-step. When it comes to creating a compelling pitch deck, financial information is not just a “nice…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What are examples of assumptions in financial modeling?
In today’s newsletter edition, I want to discuss why investors consistently seek clarity on the assumptions behind financial forecasts. Why providing transparent and well-grounded…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
What happens after you get a “Yes” from an investor?
Once an investor gives you the green light, the next vital step is drafting a Term Sheet. Also known as a “letter of intent,” this document lays out the essential…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Why do investors want ESOP?
In today’s edition I want to tackle an important question, that investors often ask during fundraising discussions, but many founders aren’t sure how to respond: Is there an ESOP? Let’s…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
What type of funds should I raise for my startup?
You want to raise funds for your startup? Then this article is for you. Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it often requires significant capital. Understanding the various…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Are SAFEs a good idea?
In this edition, I want to delve into the world of Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs). What are they, what benefits do they provide, when to use them and…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
What is behind the ask slide in a Pitch Deck?
In today’s issue, we will discuss the critical planning that should take place behind the Ask Slide. Creating a compelling pitch for investors involves not only showcasing your business idea…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Understanding the cap table
Understanding and managing a capitalization table (cap table) is essential. Whether you’re in the early stages of your venture or gearing up for significant growth, a well-maintained cap…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
How to raise seed money for your startup (if you’re at pre-seed)
Taking the step from pre-seed to seed funding is not easy. It comes with new information, new needs, and new tasks, often leading to confusion. In today’s issue, I aim…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What is a drag along agreement?
In today’s newsletter I want to discuss another important term that is often encountered in the venture capital world, the drag-along agreement. What is a drag-along agreement? A drag-along…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
What is the difference between pitch deck and sales deck?
In this issue, we’re diving into a topic that often confuses many: the difference between a pitch deck and a sales deck. Both are essential tools in a business’s arsenal,…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What is vesting and how does it work
In today’s edition, I want to discuss another important topic for entrepreneurs: vesting. You may have already heard about it, but it can sometimes lead to confusion. It’s better to…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
What is the best way to raise funds?
You’re not having success in raising funds? Or maybe you haven’t started yet. Whichever is the case, make sure you have traction, investors are very attracted to it. In today’s…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What is a no-shop agreement?
Another term entrepreneurs need to understand and know about when pursuing investment from VCs is the no-shop agreement. It may sound funny, but it has real implications for everyone…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
What makes a good roadmap?
In today’s edition we will talk about how important it is to present a clear, strategic, and visually appealing roadmap for gaining investor confidence. Your roadmap is more than just…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What is Right of First Refusal (ROFR) and why is important?
In today’s edition, I want to talk about another complex term that may seem overwhelming. Let’s see what it is and how it could impact your venture. What is the…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Your Financial Model Playbook
I get asked this question more often than I would like: “What does the financial model include?” In today’s issue I want to answer this question. In my experience with…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Pay-to-Play
As an entrepreneur navigating the world of venture capital, you may come across various terms and clauses that shape your funding journey. One such term is “Pay-to-Play”, and understanding…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Think deeply, but communicate briefly
Even if today’s edition is the unlucky number 13, I believe that we make our own luck. So today, I will give you advice for good luck in grabbing investor…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Understanding Anti-dilution
I’m going to talk about a critical topic that every entrepreneur and investor should understand: anti-dilution Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can grasp how it impacts…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Market information for your Pitch Deck
In this edition I want to answer a question I get quite often: “What market information should I put on my pitch deck?” When creating a pitch deck, the market…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Understanding down rounds in venture capital
I’m going to talk about a critical topic that every entrepreneur and investor should understand: the down round. What it is, its implications, when it’s used, and whether it can…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Wondering where to find investors?
Starting a new venture is thrilling. Imagine the possibilities, the innovation, the potential to change the world! But to transform that vision into reality, you need the fuel that drives…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Why do you need a funding round if you already have positive EBITDA?
This is a common question investors like to ask founders, in the rare cases they stumble upon a good startup. First let’s understand what EBITDA is: EBITDA stands for Earnings…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
7 Red Flags investors catch instantly
Are you puzzled as to why your pitch didn’t secure funding, or uncertain if your business is truly ready for investor scrutiny? In this edition, we delve into the 7…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
VCs Spent Less Time Scrutinizing Decks in 2023
In a notable shift from previous years, venture capitalists (VCs) are spending significantly less time reviewing pitch decks in 2023. This trend is evident for both companies that…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The most important slides in your Pitch Deck
As the fundraising landscape has evolved between 2022 and 2023, it’s become apparent that more than ever, investors are sharpening their focus and intensifying their scrutiny. Understanding…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
The order of slides in your pitch deck
[vc_row pix_particles_check=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]All businesses are different, and all pitch decks aren’t created equal. However, the order of slides is usually similar across most…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
How to master the concluding slides of your Pitch Deck
For those who know pitch decks well, everything makes sense. But what about those that don’t? Before building your pitch deck you need to understand how to do it and…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
What are data rooms and what should you store inside?
When pursuing the investment route, you must be prepared for a due diligence process. Investors may have a comprehensive checklist of items they require, while angels might request some…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The Perfect Plot for Your Investor Communication Strategy
“The One-Pager is the Movie Poster The Pitch Deck is the Movie Trailer, The Business Plan is the Full Movie.” This striking analogy from the film industry was drawn by…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Understanding Pre-Money Valuation
Determining the pre-money valuation of a startup is often considered more of an art than a science, leading many entrepreneurs to grapple with a process that seems frustratingly opaque…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Deciding between a million-dollar business and a lifestyle venture
In this post, I want to dive into a different subject than my previous ones. The choice between building a scalable, million-dollar business or establishing a sustainable lifestyle business…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
You are judged on how you treat competitors
In any competition, whether in sports, academia, or the business arena, how you regard and discuss your competitors can significantly influence both your strategy and the perception others…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Choose your VC wisely based on ticket size
Finding the right VC fund can be a pivotal step. The amount you need to raise plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate VC partner. Today, I’ll guide you…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Why is it important to understand stock option pools?
When entrepreneurs begin the journey of raising capital for their startups, they often encounter the concept of a “stock option pool.” This is an important element in the fundraising process…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Do you have a pitch deck template I could follow?
It’s a question that lands in my inbox with clockwork regularity: “Do you have a pitch deck template that actually works?” A short Google search will bombard you with…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
Turning “No Thanks” into “Tell Me More”
The journey of securing investment for your startup is indeed a challenge. One that demands a keen understanding of the investment landscape. The road to attracting capital is filled…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
The notion of “smart money” in the context of venture capital
The notion of “Smart Money” in the context of venture capital (VC) refers to the additional value that VCs claim to provide beyond mere financial investment. This can include…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
You can’t build the perfect pitch deck without knowing this
The most common question we get at Utopia Pitch is: “Where do I start from?”. Our answer is always about understanding your audience’s expectations. This means that before starting…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
How to avoid the oversimplification trap in business pitches
In the competitive arena of entrepreneurship, striking the perfect balance between confidence and realism is crucial. A common stumbling block we encountered during pitches is the overly…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
The Investment Attraction Formula
Securing investment is a complex journey, having multiple layers. It’s widely acknowledged that the strength of an idea is not standalone but reinforced by key supporting pillars. These are…
Read the article → -
Alex Dragan
10 questions investors usually ask entrepreneurs, and how to respond to them
10 questions investors usually ask entrepreneurs, and how to respond to them. In today’s edition, I want to tackle common questions investors ask and give some guidance on how to…
Read the article → -
Diana Dragan
Why have more Pitch Decks?
The question itself can be confusing for some, but let’s put some light on it. When building a startup, pitching isn’t exclusive to investors. Potential partners, advisors, mentors, team…
Read the article →