Next Round Ready

Most pitch decks fail after the second slide. Learn how to fix your pitch deck tips to keep investors engaged past the introduction.This guide breaks down common investor feedback gathered from over 100 meetings. If you are a founder preparing to raise...

In this episode, Chris shares essential non-negotiables for founders seeking investment, including product readiness, clear funding plans, targeted investor lists, compelling pitches, and fundability criteria. Learn what investors look for and how to p...

Discover the insights from Craig Cummings, co-founder of Moonshots Capital, about what makes startups investable, how founders can improve their fundraising game, and why pressure is a privilege in entrepreneurship. This episode offers a candid look at...

In this episode, Chris dives deep into what it really takes for early-stage startups to demonstrate traction and become attractive to investors. He emphasizes that results matter more than just ideas and shares practical tactics to prove you're moving ...

In this episode, Darrell Frater from TGN Ventures shares his unique perspective on venture capital, emphasizing faith-driven investing, supporting early founders, and creating meaningful societal impact. Whether you're an investor, founder, or simply c...

In this episode, Khalil B. Martin shares insights into how his platform, Collab, aims to unify the fragmented landscape of community management—streamlining physical and digital engagement for leaders and entrepreneurs. We explore the importance of sim...

In this episode, Jayla Siciliano, host of the Seed Money podcast, shares how founders can become more fundable, leveraging real-world examples and practical strategies. Whether you're fundraising for your startup or looking to improve your pitch, her i...

In this episode, Joseph Wyno shares profound insights on how startup founders can thrive amid uncertainty by adopting a mindset of relentless iteration and feedback. The conversation explores how humility, responsiveness, and building genuine relations...

This episode is for startup founders raising venture capital. This video addresses the low response rate of co-emailing venture capitalists, highlighting the struggles many founders face with investor outreach and fundraising. I'll share a practical pr...

In this episode, Andrew Chan, a seasoned VC at Atas Ventures, shares a clear-eyed perspective on the current state of venture capital, highlighting systemic flaws and proposing tangible changes. His insights delve into the importance of transparency, r...

In this episode, Harry Herzberg discusses how his startup, Transcribit, is tackling a critical unmet need in education: better accommodations for students with disabilities. He shares the vision of creating a platform that enhances communication, acces...

Are you ready to learn what venture capitalists actually want? In this video, I share insights and answers questions from various startups, offering valuable guidance for those navigating the early stages of their ventures. He touches upon how to start...

In this episode, Chris Gonzales shares insights from his diverse journey through the startup world, venture capital, and the power of hustle and authenticity. Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about the future of venture funding, this...

In this episode, Shayna Davis shares essential strategies for startup founders to build trust, enhance their leadership presence, and effectively communicate their vision. If you're looking to stand out in a crowded market and attract investors, talent...

In this episode, startup expert Dave Cotter shares practical insights on how early-stage founders can avoid common pitfalls, leverage customer discovery, and foster effective leadership. If you're navigating the startup journey, these expert tips will ...

In this episode, Jesse Posey, a seasoned investor and advocate for impact-driven venture capital, shares his perspective on building diverse investment portfolios, assessing founders, and the long-term vision for accessible capital. Whether you're a fo...

In this episode, we explore how Ray Crick is reshaping the impact funding landscape through technology. Ray shares how Allegory utilizes AI and digital systems to streamline grant processes, making capital accessible in days instead of months. This is ...

In this episode, Chris Pearcey from Decisio shares his journey from data analytics at Nike to building an innovative recommendation platform that addresses the overwhelming choice in streaming entertainment. Discover how his background in analytics and...

In this episode, Stevens from Feed Coyote shares how their platform is transforming freelance work by focusing on freelancer-to-freelancer networking and collaboration. We explore their unique approach, market potential, and the role of technology in s...

Understanding what investors really focus on at the earliest stages can dramatically change how you prepare and present your startup. In this episode, Chris breaks down the mindset of early-stage investors, emphasizing the importance of founder qualiti...

In this conversation, Chris and Taylor Moore discuss the innovative concept of a cooling bra designed for women experiencing hormonal changes. Taylor shares her personal inspiration for the product, the challenges women face during menopause, and the i...

The conversation with Andrew from Side Door Ventures covers his passion for venture capital, the transition from founder to investor, fund strategy and structure, growth frameworks, operational strategy, diverse frameworks for founders, learning from f...

In this episode, Chris provides a detailed update on his platform, Compass, and shares strategic insights for founders navigating fundraising. Whether you're raising capital or looking for a smarter approach to investor connections, this episode offers...

Unlock the mysteries of investor personalities with insights on how to identify and work effectively with different archetypes. Whether you're raising capital or building strategic relationships, understanding investor psychology can dramatically influ...

If you're raising capital as a startup founder, chances are you've been told to compile a list of investors and send out mass outreach. But what if I told you that approach is not only ineffective — it's actually sabotaging your efforts? In this episod...

In this episode, Chris breaks down the art and science of leveraging warm introductions to build meaningful investor relationships. With precise analogies and practical tips, he explains how to turn casual connections into valuable long-term partnershi...

In this episode, Chris breaks down the three key factors crucial to successful fundraising today: timing, relationships, and preparation. Whether you're actively raising or just getting started, understanding these elements can significantly increase y...

In this conversation, Kelly Perdew, co-founder and managing partner of Moonshots Capital, discusses the critical role of extraordinary leadership in startup success, drawing from his military background and experience as a venture capitalist. He emphas...

Evan Poncelet discusses his journey from engineering to investing, focusing on the importance of supporting Black founders and addressing the challenges within the Seattle investment ecosystem. He emphasizes the need for more early-stage investments an...

In this conversation, Chris discusses the challenges of cold emailing investors and emphasizes the importance of building relationships for successful fundraising. He shares insights from interviews with investors, highlighting that cold outreach is la...

Marlon Evans shares his journey to investing, highlighting his diverse career background and the pivotal moments that led him to venture acceleration. The conversation delves into the entrepreneurial mindset, founder qualities, red flags in founders, t...

In this episode, Chris interviews Itamar from Recursive Ventures, who shares his extensive experience in startups and venture capital. Itamar discusses his journey from being a serial entrepreneur to an investor, emphasizing his passion for supporting ...

The conversation with Yuko Oaku from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business covered the university's role in entrepreneurship, the impact of AI on startups, student engagement in entrepreneurship, and mentorship and support for studen...

In this conversation, Chris interviews Isaac, the founder of Arklydian, about his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Isaac shares the inspiration behind Arklydian, a tool designed to help founders and executive teams gain insights from ...

In this conversation, Chris discusses the evolution of AI, focusing on the emergence of Vertical AI as a transformative force across various industries. He highlights specific companies and tools that exemplify this trend, such as Co-Pilot and workflow...

In this engaging conversation, Chris and Paul Anthony Claxton explore the world of investing and venture capital. Paul shares his passion for investing, describing it as a way to create destinies for both himself and the founders he supports. He reflec...

In this conversation, Chris and Logan Yonavjak discuss the critical aspects of founder readiness, focusing on the importance of hiring, risk management, and the assessment of founders' capabilities. Logan shares insights on how internal people problems...

In this episode, Chris interviews Trey Natherson, an investor from a family office, who shares his unique journey into investing and the insights he has gained from his entrepreneurial background. They discuss the importance of founder characteristics,...

In this conversation, Carolyn Haeler shares her journey from a stockbroker to the founder of a gluten-free cookie company, driven by her personal experience with celiac disease. She discusses the challenges of finding appealing gluten-free products and...

In this conversation, Chris and Aram Attar delve into the world of venture capital, exploring Aram's journey from LBOs to VC, the importance of founders in shaping industries, and the current state of venture capital influenced by AI. They discuss the ...

In this engaging conversation, Mike MacCombie, a venture capitalist from Generous Ventures, shares his unique journey from being a teacher to an investor. He discusses the evolving landscape of venture capital, the impact of AI on investment strategies...

In this conversation, Chris and Charlie O'Donnell discuss the evolution of Charlie's career in venture capital, his transition to a more advisory role, and the importance of self-awareness in making career choices. They delve into the challenges of fun...

In this conversation, Alana Sierra Mann, a general partner at Eleven Wall Ventures, discusses her investment philosophy, the importance of community building, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. She emphasizes the need for founders to have s...

In this conversation, Chris and Jasper discuss the intricacies of go-to-market strategies for startups, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs, the role of AI in marketing, and the challenges of social media marketing. Jasper shares...

In this episode, Chris interviews Lauren Roberts from Forum Ventures, discussing her journey into venture capital, the importance of diversity in the industry, and what founders need to do to stand out in a competitive landscape. Lauren shares insights...

In this conversation, Chris and AJ Green discuss the AI Collective, a global community focused on exploring the intersection of humanity and technology in the AI era. AJ shares insights on the importance of fostering conversations about AI, the benefit...

In this episode of Next Round Ready, host Chris welcomes back Ben Blue, founder of Ora Biomedical, to discuss the latest advancements in his company focused on cancer care therapies. Ben shares his unique background, growing up in a four-generation hou...

Kameron elaborates on the business model of Social Docket, which operates as a SaaS platform offering a subscription-based service and a usage-based model for contract analysis. She discusses the importance of understanding the creator's workflow and t...

The conversation with Ron covers a wide range of topics related to startup funding, venture capital, and the challenges faced by both founders and VCs. Ron's insights provide valuable perspectives on the realities of startup funding, the importance of ...

In this conversation, Chris and Marla Miller discuss the often-overlooked legal challenges faced by startup founders. Marla shares her journey from international tax law to helping early-stage startups navigate their legal needs. They explore the impor...