🎉 Save the Date: SF and LA Tech Week!

• On Oct 11, we're hosting an AMA panel + mixer with early stage VCs along with our friends at Brex and Notion for SF Tech Week.

• On Oct 15, we're hosting an AMA panel + mixer with post-exit founders along with Techstars for LA Tech Week.

• As a Saywise member, you get early access to free event tickets!

• Anyone who joins our virtual AMA sessions or subscribes to our email list before Tech Week will also get an early RSVP. Forward this email to your friends and colleagues.

• Registration links and panelist announcements are coming soon!

⭐ Highlights from David's AMA
(edited for clarity)

Why did you become an investor?

Three reasons: First, turning forty made me see that mastering something takes at least 10 years. I wanted to transition from casual angel investing to a professional role. Second, after pitching to hundreds of investors, I knew I could do it better from their side. Lastly, I realized I prefer being a true sensei investor—someone who has walked the road ahead.

Any advice for a founder going into fundraising now?

Read the room to see if the person has real decision-making power. Many VCs struggle with sourcing deals, tracking everything, and spreading juniors thin. Everything ultimately goes to the investment committee. Check if the investor can move your deal forward; if not, move on.

What do you look for when deciding to invest in a founder?

What I bring must add value to the founder. If I can’t contribute, it’s not a good fit. We prefer active involvement over just funding. Meals with founders help gauge EQ; rudeness or self-centeredness are red flags. Authenticity is key—difficult people aren’t backed.

What are some VC red flags founders should be aware of?

During valuation talks, VCs who question your valuation and dig deeper show real interest. If they don’t challenge it and just invite you in, you might be one of many. Also, if a VC isn’t brainstorming or getting creative, they’re likely not interested.

What advice do you have for founders looking to build their network?

Building your network is crucial for founders and can be faster than developing a product. Commit to quality relationships that lead to more connections. If you lack a network, join an accelerator or seek out programs and angels with strong networks for valuable introductions.

For the full AMA, click here.

📅 Upcoming AMAs

• Aug 26 at 9am PST: Christian Dorffer, General Partner at Defiance Capital

  • Dorffer invested in over 100 startups all over the world, including Wellthy (healthcare concierge), Peanut (social network for moms), and Metafy (coaching by pro gamers). He previously founded and ran Sweet Capital, the VC fund by the founders of Candy Crush.

📺 Past AMAs

Missed any of our previous AMAs? No worries! You can catch up on all the guests here.

• Will Drewery, Founder and CEO at Diagon (AI-powered procurement platform)

• Gaurav Seth, Founder and CEO at PierSight Space (maritime surveillance using satellites)

• Tejes Srivalsan, Founder and CEO at Poppin (event-based social media)

• Christie Marchese, Founder and CEO at Kinema (film distribution platform)

• Michael Kapps, Founder and CEO at Sanii (longevity and lifestyle for the elderly)

• Ahmed Mirza, Investor at Techstars Los Angeles (leading startup accelerator)

• Clara Hong, Founder and CEO at Smore (B2B form building platform)

• Luiza Justus, Founder and CCO at Supersocial (gaming for the metaverse)

• Mark Linao, General Partner at Progression Fund (early stage consumer VC)

📬 Contact Us

Have suggestions for future guests, feedback on the sessions, or just want to say hi? We’d love to hear from you! Reply directly to this email or send us a note here.

You can also join our Discord server here.