Welcome back to The Feedback Loop, where ambitious founders step on stage, pitch their startups, and receive honest, constructive insights from real venture investors. In Episode 054, we hear from three founders tackling media & entertainment AI, a concierge furniture e-commerce play, and a Web3 freelancer marketplace.

Each pitch is followed by candid feedback from host Sherveen Mashayekhi (Founder & CEO of Free Agency) and guest investor Leeor Mushin from Formation VC. They explore how to:

- Find (and explain) your industry inflection that makes now the right time for your startup

- Tell a hero story that resonates with investors, showcasing why you’re the one to solve the problem

- Avoid pitch pitfalls like referencing small ARR too soon or using confusing analogies

- Position Web3 to mainstream investors without triggering skepticism

Be sure to leave a comment on your favorite pitch and share your own feedback—because feedback is a gift, after all.

About Our Hosts

Sherveen Mashayekhi is the Founder & CEO of Free Agency. He’s a multi-time founder, angel investor, and LP in several venture capital funds. He’s seen thousands of startup pitches — good, bad, and in between — and provides nuanced feedback grounded in real-world fundraising experience.

Leeor Mushin is Founder & GP at Formation, an early-stage fund that invests at the “formation” moment, often backing founders before they even have a formal deck. He previously spent time at Floodgate and co-founded a platform for unaccredited investors to participate in private markets.

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

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

Leeor on X: https://x.com/lmushin

Leeor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeormushin

Want to Pitch Live on The Feedback Loop?

Apply at afterfeedback.com to get your idea in front of experienced investors. It’s a chance to hone your pitch and discover blind spots you never knew existed.

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

In a job search? Check out our newest channel focused on 2025’s ultra-competitive hiring:

https://youtu.be/dlbfZJmY8t8

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

Key Takeaways

Mapping Industry Inflections – Show how shifts in media, e-commerce, or global talent unlock new opportunities for your product

Balancing Proof Points – Drop small numbers carefully, emphasizing customer love or quality of relationships over early ARR

Verticalized AI – Why it pays to articulate niche back-office tasks, like film tax incentives or specialized RFP workflows

Web3 for Freelancers – Avoid “hot-button” buzzwords unless you can illustrate a clear user benefit and global shift driving adoption

If you’re into venture capital, AI workflows, consumer e-commerce, furniture, film & TV production, or Web3 marketplaces, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend who’s building the next big thing!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.