We made a list of all the most common questions we hear from founders when it comes to raising Seed funding. Then we sat down in front of a camera to answer them all!
Our seed funding video series equips founders with the knowledge and tools to avoid common pitfalls and be set up for success. Through the series, we cover are four key aspects of a Seed fundraise:
- The mechanics of venture capital
- Finding the right investors for your business
- Perfecting your pitch
- Gaining publicity around your Seed funding round
All these insights are framed within the context of what matters most at Seed vs. later stages.
Ready to get started? Let’s jump in.
Prefer to listen on the go? You can tune in to an audio-only version on Spotify.
Intro to Seed Funding for Startups
Underscore VC partner Lily Lyman provides an overview of Seed investing from three perspectives: founders, venture investors, and limited partners. She also shares information to help founders determine if raising venture capital is right for their business.
Seed Round Valuation: How Much is Your Startup Worth?
How do you determine Seed round valuations? Underscore VC operating partner James Orsillo shares an overview of valuation and offers tips for how to value a startup for Seed funding.
How to Approach a VC for Funding
In this segment, Lily shares how to approach an investor and build a trusting relationship that sets your fundraise up for success.
Reference Checking: How to Vet Potential Investors
Underscore VC partner Richard Dulude shares how to vet an investor at both a firm and personal level, so you can streamline your fundraising process and make the best choice for your business.
What Are Investors Looking for in Seed Investments?
How much traction do you really need to raise a Seed round? Underscore VC investor Brian Devaney shares what investors are looking for in a team, market, and product.
How to Give a Strong Startup Pitch
From scripting to practice to ordering slides, Underscore VC partner Chris Gardner shares best practices for how to pitch your startup.
How to Talk About Your Team Slide in a Pitch Deck
From experience, to attitude, to strengths and weaknesses—Underscore VC investor Sooah Cho shares what Seed investors are looking for in a founding startup team.
How to Present Your Value Proposition Slide
Chris explains how to describe the problem you’re solving, the solution you’re building, and the customer pain that it addresses—all in a value proposition.
How to Balance a Long-Term Vision with Short-Term Execution
It can be challenging for a founder to pitch a huge vision for a business—while also staying focused on making progress in the here and now. Sooah explains how to strike the right balance of vision and execution in your pitch.
How to Outline Your Startup’s Business Model Slide
Investors know that an early-stage revenue model is likely to change over time—but they still want to hear how you’re thinking about it. Lily explains what to focus on when describing your business model in a Seed-stage pitch.
How to Approach Market Sizing in Your Pitch Deck
What’s the most convincing way to measure your market opportunity? Richard shares best practices for how to calculate market size.
How to Discuss Your Competitive Landscape in Your Pitch
Every business has competition—even if it’s not direct. Chris outlines how to talk about your competitive landscape in a Seed funding pitch.
How Much Seed Funding Should You Raise?
How much money should I raise in a Seed round? Jimmy shares advice to help founders answer this question.
How Founders Can Prepare for the VC Due Diligence Process
What should founders expect during venture capital due diligence? Brian walks through the process and shares how to best prepare for it.
How to Close Your Seed Funding Round
There’s still plenty of work to do once you get a term sheet. Jimmy shares tips for negotiating term sheets, working with legal counsel, closing the deal, and updating investors.
- Recommended Resources: Documents from Y Combinator
- “Cleanest” Terms: Model Legal Docs from NVCA
How to Announce Your Seed Funding
When you file your Form D with the SEC, it becomes public record. Get your ducks in a row before you get scooped. Underscore VC marketing director Devin Nash shares how to announce your Seed funding.
