How Startup Fundraising Works | Startup School

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 12 тра 2024
  • YC Group Partner Brad Flora has seen startup fundraising from every angle: as a founder, as one of the most prolific angel investors in Silicon Valley, and now as a YC Group Partner. Brad has coached hundreds of companies on fundraising. In this talk, he shares stories and advice on how modern startup fundraising works.
    Paul Graham Fundraising Essays:
    www.paulgraham.com/fundraising...
    www.paulgraham.com/startupfund...
    www.paulgraham.com/convince.html
    www.paulgraham.com/herd.html
    Geoff Ralston's Fundraising Guides:
    www.ycombinator.com/library/4...
    • Fundraising Fundamenta...
    YC Fundraising Resources:
    www.ycombinator.com/library/2...
    www.ycombinator.com/library/6...
    www.ycombinator.com/library/7...
    www.ycombinator.com/library/4...
    www.ycombinator.com/library/3...
    Apply to Y Combinator: yc.link/SUS-apply
    Work at a startup: yc.link/SUS-jobs
    Chapters (Powered by bit.ly/chapterme-yc) -
    00:00 - Intro
    00:27 - Fundraising resources
    02:13 - 7 fundraising myths
    04:06 - Raising money is glamorous
    06:51 - The need to raise money before starting a startup
    10:10 - My startup need to be impressive to raise money
    13:56 - Raising money is complicated, slow, and expensive.
    18:04 - I am going to lose control of my company
    21:58 - I need a fancy network to raise money
    23:43 - If investors reject my startup its a bad startup
    26:35 - Wrap up - This isn't for you
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 142

  • @ycombinator
    @ycombinator  Рік тому +21

    For detailed advice on how to actually get in touch with investors and set up meetings, check out this video:
    www.ycombinator.com/library/71-how-to-get-meetings-with-investors-and-raise-money
    For YC's comprehensive guide to seed fundraising, check out this guide: www.ycombinator.com/library/4A-a-guide-to-seed-fundraising

    • @nicolasguillenc
      @nicolasguillenc Рік тому +2

      thank you 🙏🏽

    • @paramveerdhoot6415
      @paramveerdhoot6415 Рік тому +2

      Do people still invest in hardware startups.... I feel like funding for hardware startups is rare and nearly non-existent now?

    • @benholmquist3589
      @benholmquist3589 9 місяців тому +1

      I was about to ask this question! Good pin.

  • @wumbo2421
    @wumbo2421 Рік тому +155

    I'm currently 23, live in Southeast Asia, not from a rich family, and I just started out my career. Never in my life before thinking about building a startup. But in the past few weeks, I have watched several YC videos and get inspired to build my own startup! Sure I still have a lot of work to do, but learning from all of these great videos, I get assured that it's not impossible. Thank you YC for the great inspirations.

    • @DaniIhzaFarrosi
      @DaniIhzaFarrosi Рік тому +1

      Fellow southeast asian here, good luck 🍀

    • @mathewtomas8058
      @mathewtomas8058 Рік тому

      Do you have a technical background? I’m looking for a co-founder.

    • @behikulo_TJ
      @behikulo_TJ 10 місяців тому

      Hi @wumbo2421 want to connect?

    • @pranavpalasamudram6119
      @pranavpalasamudram6119 10 місяців тому

      I'm from a similar place. It's amazing when you focus and just build what people want!

    • @ernestoquismorio3271
      @ernestoquismorio3271 8 місяців тому

      Atta go SEA!

  • @minaraver
    @minaraver 8 місяців тому +16

    I'm building an assistive technology company and had an investor tell me during a meeting HE asked for, "This is a great idea. Someone can do this, but I don't think it's you." So I stopped fundraising, dialed back my vision to the first, smallest, most accessible piece and it's working!
    While almost everyone around me is trying to stop me, it's great to have videos like this that prove what I'm doing is exactly how founders win. Thanks!

    • @stellaariana1276
      @stellaariana1276 3 місяці тому

      Yea don't listen to those people. Would probably just as easily take your idea and have someone else fulfill it. It's a tactic meant to discourage. I hope it's going well!!

  • @pulsenewsarena
    @pulsenewsarena Рік тому +40

    "Coin-operated lizard people" ... I will forever remember this when approaching investors. Lol. And Thank You!

  • @machapuis
    @machapuis 8 місяців тому +5

    His last phrase: "You can do this. You can do this." 😢❤

  • @shimacharles
    @shimacharles Рік тому +4

    Thank you, Brad. I learn a lot each time I watch a Y Combinator video. The journey is not for the faint of hearts.

  • @livlabsfitness
    @livlabsfitness Рік тому +3

    Recommended viewing! Brad has a knack for simplification. This video is worth the time of every founder just starting (or struggling through) the early fundraising journey.

  • @allthingsgenai
    @allthingsgenai Рік тому +12

    Thank you. This is a fresh breath amidst all the negativity.
    Why don’t we have a world where builders get more air to experiment and find something people want. I have spent countless hours on my own to come to that stage. Now I have a business which is generating revenues.
    Still fighting and will keep fighting.

  • @chunyuou9944
    @chunyuou9944 5 місяців тому

    The last bit is the biggest challenge for me, “you can do this”, thank you Brad.

  • @foundergen3266
    @foundergen3266 Рік тому +1

    I really thank you for this video. I always wanted to know that. And you took away my fears because now I understand that everything is so simple. You always imagine everything to be so difficult when you read about start-ups in the media. Thank you very much

  • @TheAccountabilityKing
    @TheAccountabilityKing 11 місяців тому +5

    This was just the video i needed for my confidence to manifest my start up. Thank You for this!!

  • @lesptitsoiseaux
    @lesptitsoiseaux 5 місяців тому +4

    Brad, I'm 47, a senior technical product manager who coded before. I'm building an app that solves the problem of trust between people. Your video was a soothing balm to my heart :) Being very conscientious in everything I do I tend to over engineer and worry too much. Very thankful for your video. Cheers from Vancouver! :)

  • @zayyanusmani5360
    @zayyanusmani5360 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much Brad. I neededdd to hear the last part. "I def can do this". Much Love

  • @boriszhilinskiy8187
    @boriszhilinskiy8187 Рік тому +5

    Extremely transformational and inspiring! Thank you so much!

  • @RuRichelieu
    @RuRichelieu Рік тому +13

    Proudly bootstrapping but love the content!

  • @_orangutan
    @_orangutan Рік тому +28

    I'm currently building my MVP. I'm more on the technical side of things so these videos are absolutely informative. I'm still going through a couple of books as well, just to name a few.:
    - The Startup Owner's Manual
    - The Lean Product Playbook
    - The Lean Startup
    - The Founders Dilemma
    Keep up the great educative videos.

    • @richardmakura
      @richardmakura Рік тому

      Don't leave out Rework!

    • @dennisorbison7318
      @dennisorbison7318 Рік тому

      do you happen by chance looking for a startup partner?

    • @realmuzfi
      @realmuzfi Рік тому

      I am looking for a technical partner, I am also technical.

    • @piyushdeshmukh4706
      @piyushdeshmukh4706 Рік тому

      ​@@realmuzfi Can we sync to brainstorm and know more?

    • @reprovedcandy
      @reprovedcandy 7 місяців тому

      @@dennisorbison7318 Hey man, you've got to be more relevant in your approach here. You should ask what type of engineer the person is and gauge their interest in working on your product by presenting a high level about what you're aiming to build and what validation you've already done and why you're looking for a technical partner instead of continuing to contract/outsource etc. Your odds of finding someone go up by 100x+.

  • @cheeseshaper
    @cheeseshaper 2 місяці тому

    Simply an amazing video. I learned so much from it that I had no idea about. So many misconceptions addressed and debunked. Thank you!

  • @aif1992
    @aif1992 Рік тому

    One of the best videos I watched about Start-ups. Thank you!

  • @godwinchukzy9906
    @godwinchukzy9906 6 місяців тому +1

    I'm about to start up my business!Thank you so much yc for all this videos, actually fund raising is very hard.

  • @chapterme
    @chapterme Рік тому +28

    Chapters (Powered by ChapterMe) -
    00:00 - Intro
    00:27 - Fundraising resources
    00:50 - Paul Graham Essays
    01:27 - Tactical guides
    02:13 - 7 fundraising myths
    02:28 - About
    04:06 - Raising money is glamorous
    06:51 - The need to raise money before starting a startup
    08:19 - Example - Solugen
    10:10 - My startup need to be impressive to raise money
    12:49 - Example - Retool
    13:56 - Raising money is complicated, slow, and expensive.
    15:33 - SAFE - Simple agreement for equity
    17:05 - Example - Asher Bio
    18:04 - I am going to lose control of my company
    19:17 - Example - Zapier
    20:29 - Bootstrapping forever sucks
    21:58 - I need a fancy network to raise money
    23:18 - Best for Founder to talk to investors
    23:43 - If investors reject my startup its a bad startup
    24:00 - Example - nVision
    25:09 - WhatNot
    26:35 - Wrap up - This isn't for you

  • @alexanderj4545
    @alexanderj4545 7 місяців тому

    Great video Brad!
    #2 depends on your market. Medical Device development is somewhat different, although some of these ´fail fast´ procedures can be used.

  • @TheLivesyoutouch2023
    @TheLivesyoutouch2023 3 місяці тому

    One of the best video on fundraising and Investors… this will give strength to many entrepreneurs 🤟🏻🙏

  • @tobiasomeyi1776
    @tobiasomeyi1776 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks very much. Great and enlightening information...Keep up the great work YC🙌🙏

  • @amarelswtor5446
    @amarelswtor5446 10 місяців тому

    Thanks Brad. Loved the energy!

  • @youssefsaid6076
    @youssefsaid6076 Рік тому +1

    Amazing video!
    Simple and to the point 🎉

  • @sammiezzy
    @sammiezzy Рік тому +3

    Great video, full of top-level advice

  • @duongtt3
    @duongtt3 Рік тому

    (V3) super helpful for me! thank you so much for those valuable resources and sharing🙏🏻

  • @jakestryker35
    @jakestryker35 10 місяців тому

    Excellent presentation ! Very straightforward

  • @marcesmack
    @marcesmack Рік тому

    Thanks man. This was exactly the video I needed to watch. And I mean it. 💯

  • @eliagreenberg4500
    @eliagreenberg4500 Рік тому +5

    Great content! What makes bootstrapped startups not make enough money? Isn't it a reflection of how valuable your product is to the customers?

  • @Plokhoj
    @Plokhoj Рік тому +2

    Thanks for the video, you definitely can motivate people 😊

  • @gregoryburne5251
    @gregoryburne5251 Рік тому

    Such concise and helpful advice. Especially at 1,75 speed. It’s a deluge.

  • @terencelewis8856
    @terencelewis8856 Рік тому

    Excellent advice, practical and executable.

  • @Chalewey69
    @Chalewey69 19 днів тому

    This was great information, thank you for sharing!

  •  10 місяців тому

    Such a great video and content. Thanks Brad!

  • @mysteriousshadow395
    @mysteriousshadow395 9 місяців тому

    I like the enthusiasm

  • @carlatashkadeh5890
    @carlatashkadeh5890 Рік тому +1

    Thanks YC. You gave me courage to dream big with Loodio!

  • @patkorie
    @patkorie 9 місяців тому

    Thank you for this video.

  • @razvangrigore322
    @razvangrigore322 2 місяці тому

    Great advice and one of the best videos on the subject I saw in a while. Just one note missing: What if you are not from the US? Do the SAFE’s logic still apply for an EU company?

  • @ronlussari
    @ronlussari Рік тому

    Great video. You are an exciting communicator.

  • @darrinakpambang3810
    @darrinakpambang3810 9 місяців тому

    Good day. Yc videos are the best out there. Can’t wait to have meeting with you

  • @WTK839
    @WTK839 3 місяці тому

    one of the best videos I've seen.

  • @randyschwaggins
    @randyschwaggins Рік тому

    Love the video and advice. One point that I wanted to ask with regards to pre-rev startups...isn't there a minimum bar you need to show investors at this stage? Ie...even if you have a well presented idea and SAFE agreement in place, isn't it still massively important to present investors with;
    A. Well documented research to establish the product/market fit
    B. Something that resembles an early-stage MVP
    C. A team that looks (on paper at least) able to reach early commercialisation
    You didn't seem to touch on these points...but maybe you did and I just missed it...I just seemed to hear you talking about various businesses where you or other investors invested, based simply on a well presented idea.
    Surely an business idea...even one that makes total intuitive sense...isn't enough to secure investment pre-rev without the founder identifying - at the very least - a large body of potential customers who say they suffer from the problem that the potential product/service is being designed to solve? And moreover suffer enough to be willing to buy a solution to that problem?
    Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated!

  • @superhanuta
    @superhanuta 7 місяців тому

    I really needs to see this, thank you!

  • @learninmachine
    @learninmachine Рік тому

    Thank you so much. I just wish I lived in the USA. Getting the visa is the hardest thing for me.

  • @tsaplin2528
    @tsaplin2528 Місяць тому

    Awesome!! So helpful! Thanks a lot 👏🏻

  • @thedimplenest
    @thedimplenest 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this seriously!

  • @satyamskillz
    @satyamskillz Рік тому +4

    Useful insights!

  • @carloslfu
    @carloslfu 9 місяців тому

    Awesome video Brad!

  • @withfirapp
    @withfirapp Рік тому

    Thank you so much Brad

  • @nftsasha
    @nftsasha 2 дні тому

    Thanks, fam. The last 2 links under "YC Fundraising Resources" are 404s

  • @manasgond3633
    @manasgond3633 Рік тому

    Lovely video. Do YC help company to raise apart from their batches/ selected company?

  • @oltreenrico6021
    @oltreenrico6021 Рік тому

    God bless y'all!

  • @user-lb2gu7ih5e
    @user-lb2gu7ih5e 28 днів тому

    By YouSum
    00:05:01 Raising money is not glamorous; it's about quiet conversations.
    00:07:01 Start working on your startup before raising money.
    00:10:12 Investors are convinced by progress, not impressive pitches.
    00:14:02 Fundraising can be quick, simple, and inexpensive with safes.
    00:17:28 Implementing safes can change power dynamics when talking to investors.
    00:18:06 Seed rounds today offer founders more control than ever before.
    00:20:30 Bootstrapping a company forever is challenging and not recommended.
    00:22:00 Investors prioritize profitable ideas over fancy networks when investing.
    00:23:46 Rejection from investors doesn't signify a bad startup idea.
    By YouSum

  • @dani.dimitrov
    @dani.dimitrov 4 місяці тому

    I love you guys. Keep up the good work!

  • @leonidkhoroshko9585
    @leonidkhoroshko9585 Місяць тому +1

    This is some kind of different reality which i guess works in US only. I think i`ve spoken to 100+ investors, spending 1.5-2 years and raising 0 before i realized that all those investors are not interested in you or your team or your product. All they ask is what is your revenue and growth rate. Thats it. At first they will say "oh you are too early for us, but please let us know when you will reach X MRR" then "or you are too late for us, there is too much competition". Even though in your pitch deck it is clearly explained why you are different. Long story short, after we stopped chasing investors and focused on business, we managed to make it work organically without investors. Now we have entities in US, Europe, Asia and continue to grow.

  • @yashdrums6468
    @yashdrums6468 Рік тому

    Great video! Thank you.

  • @mushfiquekhan
    @mushfiquekhan Рік тому

    thanks Brad for this awesome video, can you pls advise/suggest/guide, how I can talk to you for 10/15 mins only, I've my product/LIVE ready and its been used and liked too, just need a little of your time, pls advise or even YC can assist too, just need a little assistance here.

  • @matildeamarchandable
    @matildeamarchandable 10 місяців тому

    Thank You for the inspiring talk! Namaste $$$

  • @JamrockVybzTV
    @JamrockVybzTV 9 місяців тому

    Good stuff, thank you.

  • @aureliammbasu6622
    @aureliammbasu6622 Рік тому

    Very insightful..!!

  • @recks1151
    @recks1151 Рік тому +1

    love this guy

  • @Wasalami
    @Wasalami Рік тому +1

    "Hundreds of thosands" :D
    Great video through!

  • @scadeline805
    @scadeline805 2 місяці тому

    🔥🔥🔥 THANK YOU SO MUCH

  • @phasematerialsresearch9319
    @phasematerialsresearch9319 Рік тому

    Thank you.

  • @j5665
    @j5665 8 місяців тому +1

    So, I've got a question: Are SAFEs available for those startups outside of North America? (Can the company be formed in 🇺🇸, but the founders reside elsewhere? Say Britain, for instance).

  • @tylerthefailure
    @tylerthefailure Рік тому

    Great video!

  • @hiranga
    @hiranga Рік тому +1

    Question - how did early Zapier SAFE investors get return on their investment? How did they "cash out" ?

  • @domore1287
    @domore1287 Рік тому

    Thank you

  • @vincentblue2455
    @vincentblue2455 Рік тому

    Wow! Thanks man

  • @web3global
    @web3global Рік тому

    Amazing video 🚀

  • @thanhnamnguyen7477
    @thanhnamnguyen7477 Рік тому

    thank you

  • @bluelaurel
    @bluelaurel 5 місяців тому

    15:15 typical seed round
    15:35 agreement template drafted by YC combinator
    22:16

  • @samzbest
    @samzbest Рік тому

    brilliant

  • @BravoandBrave
    @BravoandBrave Рік тому

    very useful. thanks

  • @bennykokmusic
    @bennykokmusic Місяць тому

    Inspiring

  • @plexradio
    @plexradio 5 місяців тому

    I have a startup idea, The device u r using to switch camera angel , we should make a foot version for it

  • @Johnnymarzo
    @Johnnymarzo Рік тому +2

    The reference about zapier and how their first round was all SAFEs, how did those first investors get their money if that round was contingent on then next round which you said never actually happened?

    • @amirankurtanidze6966
      @amirankurtanidze6966 Рік тому +1

      actually there is written either max valuation or discount on stocks, if the next round happens or in 2 years (as an example) whichever comes first.

  • @BunhakHong
    @BunhakHong Рік тому

    It’s aha moment and great advices.

  • @singhala
    @singhala Рік тому +3

    Great video. However, the hardest part is to line up the zoom calls. Which is not covered in this video

    • @ycombinator
      @ycombinator  Рік тому +4

      We appreciate the feedback! We understand this video focuses more on the broader fundraising process and mentality required, but we've published content in the past that provides detailed advice on how to actually get in touch with investors and set up meetings: www.ycombinator.com/library/71-how-to-get-meetings-with-investors-and-raise-money

  • @craig4229
    @craig4229 9 днів тому

    Epic content

  • @purawalker2537
    @purawalker2537 5 місяців тому

    About to invest in my own App. Hopefully people love it.

  • @SevenClips__
    @SevenClips__ 6 місяців тому

    Nice Video 💯

  • @klausmaster5454
    @klausmaster5454 Рік тому

    Hi , i am having over 100 user daily but without revenue because its beta tester version of AI startup . Does i need start charging them or no need , to get found raising ?Customer feedback is really great 100% 5 stars 🎉 . Now fine tuning of model starting to be really expensive and we really need investors .

  • @cashyong8903
    @cashyong8903 Рік тому

    Would this apply for service based start-ups as well?

  • @cody5304
    @cody5304 Рік тому

    helpful thx

  • @nicolasguillenc
    @nicolasguillenc Рік тому

    thank you thank you thank you

  • @daveb4446
    @daveb4446 Рік тому +1

    This is great advice. It’s important to be practical and avoid following glorified stereotypes. Real life is nothing like the glorified stories on the internet.

  • @shounakShetty
    @shounakShetty Рік тому

    Someone needs to make a video about Lead Investors and Strategic Funds.

  • @camiloandresleguizamon3624
    @camiloandresleguizamon3624 Рік тому

    Great thanks a lot

  • @rahul__kryadav
    @rahul__kryadav 7 місяців тому

    Does YC take stakes of the company for the $500 investment?

  • @smartis7404
    @smartis7404 6 місяців тому

    There is no raising money online for startups article as he said in video 🤔

  • @smartis7404
    @smartis7404 6 місяців тому

    Looking for cofounder and im technical and business oriented at the same time

  • @Thecoolestjen4477
    @Thecoolestjen4477 Місяць тому

    Do you know of any start up business grants for women who live in America but that can be used internationally to help obtain property and infrastructure?

  • @datadoctor6205
    @datadoctor6205 3 місяці тому

    Wish I knew these earlier.

  • @notavailable9375
    @notavailable9375 9 місяців тому

    "investors are coin-operated lizard people"
    Point hits home lol

  • @blockchainbrudda3051
    @blockchainbrudda3051 8 місяців тому

    I love you all.

  • @organizer14
    @organizer14 Місяць тому

    How did founders find the angel investors to present to?

  • @prithviye
    @prithviye Рік тому +1

    talking with an angel, got a term sheet, and having to do thousands in legal fees for my seed round. is this normal, and if not, should i search for a different angel?

    • @ycombinator
      @ycombinator  Рік тому +1

      By using a SAFE there should be no legal fees: ua-cam.com/video/zBUhQPPS9AY/v-deo.html

  • @user-cq7dt5qk1q
    @user-cq7dt5qk1q 8 місяців тому

    과천과학관방재실가다가 사고났는데 미소령과같이과천경찰서가서 합의할때 손물에싯고와서교통과에서 어떻게 보험처리했는가.