Fundraising in 2026 is more selective.

Here are the 5 things founders need to get right in 2026:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:09) - 1️⃣ Be clear about your fundraising strategy and your capital choices

How much do you actually need, and why? Raising too much implies a high valuation. A higher valuation puts you in a tougher competitive set. The real question is whether you can back it up with traction, data, or momentum. Agile fundraising is often the smarter move. You don’t need the full amount on day one. 

(05:07) - 2️⃣ Get investor-ready before you fundraise

Your story and your financial model must align. Assumptions should be defensible and grounded in data. Serious conversations should never start without a clean data room, including your deck, financials, forecasts, cap table, legal docs, team, and operating plans.

(07:07) - 3️⃣ Governance matters more than founders think

Before you raise, model dilution and understand how ownership evolves. Use proper cap table tools like Carta, Pulley, Capbase, or Cake. Review ASC 718 or IFRS 2 early. Equity compensation issues surface fast during diligence. Plan for QSBS eligibility from day one. Governance mistakes destroy leverage.

(08:29) - 4️⃣ AI changed the game

Building software is cheaper and faster than ever. The product alone is no longer the differentiator. Simply “using AI” is not a strategy. Investors care about real usage, real demand, distribution, and the strength of the team executing.

(09:18) - 5️⃣ Don’t stop networking

Fundraising doesn’t start when you need money. Strong networks are built ahead of time. Access still flows through trust, timing, and warm introductions.