Every founder hits the same question sooner or later: how should I fund this thing?
From honest, practical sessions at Founder Day to some friendly sparring at The Venture Debate, it was a day for founders, shaped by people who genuinely want to see them win. Here's our look back.
Founder Day: Getting Under the Hood of Venture Funding
The afternoon gave founders the kind of insight that usually takes a few years (and a few term sheets) to pick up. Leila Oliveira (Antler), Rebecca Shot-Guppy (Firemark Ventures), Harry Lamb (Arteisan) and Shawn Li (OneVentures) were generous, candid and practical from start to finish.
Inside the Fund took founders to the investor's side of the table. Knowing how a VC fund works, and what it needs from the companies it backs, changes how you pitch, who you pitch to and whether VC is the right fit at all.
Debt Before Dilution put venture debt on the table as a real option before giving away equity. Founders left with a clearer sense of when it makes sense and what to check before signing.
The campfire sessions were where things got real. Smaller groups meant founders could bring their own situation to the speakers and get advice that fit their business, not just general wisdom.
The Venture Debate: Should You Raise at All?
As the sun went down, the debate began, politely. Hugh Stephens (Galileo Ventures) and Matt Allen (Tractor Ventures) took opposite sides on the big question, with CDH General Manager Alan Tsen keeping them honest. Hearing both cases argued in the same room is rare, and it gave founders the full picture rather than just the pitch.
Alan put the panel to work on the questions founders usually wrestle with alone:
- When does VC make sense, and when does it quietly break a good business?
- What do you give up when you take the money?
- What does the alternative actually look like?
What Founders Walked Away With
There's no single right way to fund a startup, but there are better and worse ways to decide. Founders left knowing how a fund thinks, what sits beyond equity and what they'd really be signing up for. That puts them in the driver's seat, whichever road they take.
A Big Thank You to Our Champions
Massive thanks to Leila, Rebecca, Harry, Shawn, Hugh and Matt for the time spent helping the community understand venture capital Days like this only work because people like you share what you've learnt the hard way.
And to every founder who came along, asked the tough questions and stuck around to keep the conversation going, hands down. You're what makes this community amazing.
