Molson Hart

Founders worry too much about highly funded competitors. Usually funding matters less than the founders' ability. In the short term, a highly funded competitor can hurt you by e.g. lowering prices. But if you survive long enough, it will ultimately become a test of ability.

It’s fascinating that founders can be stronger in general yet worse at fundraising. Though seemingly luck has a ton to do with fundraising success.

I’m 0 for 9 at raising money and startup competitions. I don’t think it’s bad luck (maybe a tiny bit). It’s my personality and how and what I present. There is definitely a personality type for the person who kills it at raising money but cannot do operations.

I've found coaching helped me get better. Started my pitches with "friendlies" or folks I assumed were insta-no's. I asked them at the end for no-holds-barred feedback. Most provide it.