AI for RFP Automation? Local language models for SaaS? Corporate sustainability and B Corp certification? We’ve got all that — and more...

Welcome to Episode 052 of The Feedback Loop — where early-stage founders get direct, no-nonsense feedback from real venture investors! In this episode, two founders step into the hot seat to pitch their big ideas: one is building local language models to automate RFPs for SaaS companies, and the other is helping businesses streamline their corporate sustainability journey (including B Corp certification). Complex businesses in unsexy markets – so how do you tell that story!?

Each founder has just one minute to pitch, followed by candid Q&A with host Sherveen Mashayekhi (Founder & CEO of Free Agency & angel investor) and guest investor Jesse Middleton (General Partner at Flybridge, investing in the early stage). Watch as they dissect everything from market sizing to go-to-market strategy, revealing the power of great storytelling in a pitch.

Along the way, you’ll hear:

- Why domain focus and on-prem/local models can be vital when confidentiality and compliance matter.

- The art of pitching sustainability: how to avoid alienating investors and instead emphasize bottom-line benefits, brand advantages, and ecosystem impact.

- How a killer story is often more memorable than a direct answer to every single investor question.

- Why politics or controversial statements can derail a pitch—and how to frame compelling narratives that persuade both believers and skeptics.

As always, The Feedback Loop is hosted by Sherveen Mashayekhi, a repeat founder, angel investor, and LP in multiple venture capital funds. He’s on a mission to help people reach the height of their ambition. In this case, that means helping sharpen startup pitches so founders can raise money, hire world-class teams, and sell their product with confidence.

Our guest investor for this episode is Jesse Middleton, General Partner at Flybridge (an early-stage VC firm with investments in MongoDB, Firebase, Codecademy, Bowery, and many more). He is also an Investment Partner at Next Wave NYC and The Community Fund, was a founding team member at WeWork, and led the technology group at LivePerson. He’s also served as a key advisor to companies like fitmob, inDinero, and Squire.

Follow Sherveen on X: https://www.x.com/sherveen

Follow Sherveen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherveenm

Follow Jesse on X: https://x.com/srcasm

In a job search? Check out our newest channel for next-level advice in 2025’s ultra-competitive talent marketplace:

https://youtu.be/dlbfZJmY8t8

Interested in pitching live or attending The Feedback Loop in person? Visit afterfeedback.com to learn more.

Thank you to these visionary founders for stepping onto the stage. The Feedback Loop exists to help founders refine their story and take their next leap. Your pitch is the first step on the journey to success — be sure to subscribe for more no-nonsense feedback on how to pitch your startup.

Note: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.

Share Your Favorite Pitch

Which founder made you lean in? Who changed your mind the most? Let us know in the comments, and offer your own feedback—after all, feedback is a gift!

If you’re in venture capital, AI/ML, SaaS, sustainability tech, or building the next wave of B2B products, stick around: we’re all about the early stages of raising pre-seed, seed, or Series A. Subscribe, and share this with a friend who’s on their own startup journey!

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