Is Fundraising Like Dating? A VC Explains How To Actually Raise Money

On today’s episode of Reclaiming Bossy, I’m joined by Vanesa Pazos from Noba Capital to ungatekeep venture capital and break down what actually happens behind the scenes of raising money.If you’ve ever wondered how founders get funded, what investors are really looking for, whether you actually need VC investment, or how to confidently pitch yourself and your ideas, this episode is for you.We talk honestly about the things that often feel confusing or intimidating when it comes to fundraising and career growth, from networking and rejection to female founders, leadership, and building opportunities before you feel fully ready.We talk about: Breaking into venture capital through a “squiggly career” pathWhat investors actually look for beyond just a good idea How founders can pitch themselves and raise money more effectively Common mistakes founders make when fundraising Building genuine relationships and networking authenticallyNavigating rejection and hearing “no” Female founders and bias in business spaces Hiring, leadership, and building strong team cultures Understanding whether VC funding is actually right for your business Balancing ambition, motherhood, and personal lifeTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 – Introduction00:03:00 – Entering VC Through A “Squiggly Career”00:05:33 – Why Investors Back Founders, Not Just Ideas00:06:50 – What Makes An “A-Player” Founder00:08:00 – How To Pitch Investors Effectively00:10:08 – Female Founders, Bias & Building Traction00:11:16 – How To Start Learning About Investing00:14:04 – The Story Behind Empower Her00:16:04 – How To Ask For Help & Build Genuine Connections00:18:18 – Why “No” From Investors Isn’t Always Final00:20:08 – Do You Actually Need VC Funding?00:22:25 – Why Fundraising Is Like Dating00:24:46 – Biggest Red Flags Investors Notice00:27:41 – Balancing Motherhood, Career & Leadership00:33:29 – Hopes For The Next Generation Of Female Founders00:36:03 – Reclaiming The Word “Bossy”Connect with Vanesa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanesa-pazos/Noba Capital: https://www.nobacapital.comGet involved: https://www.nobacapital.com/get-involved?referrer=luma&utm_source=lumaBUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREERBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠WORK WITH MECreator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sCollaborations + enquiries: [email protected]