Startup Steroid - Founders Podcast

How to Win Over Angel Groups | Startup Fundraising Truths with JJ Richa, Pismo Ventures


Listen Later

In this powerhouse episode of Pitch. Fund. Scale., I sit down with JJ Richa – serial entrepreneur, board member, and CEO of Pismo Ventures – to uncover what really makes investors say yes.

From building and scaling companies in hospitality tech, luxury e-commerce, and fintech to becoming a key figure in Tech Coast Angels, JJ has seen both sides of the table. In this no-fluff conversation, he shares exactly what founders get wrong when pitching and how to truly become investor-ready.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

 ✅ JJ’s journey from founder to angel investor
 ✅ What makes a pitch stand out at Tech Coast Angels
 ✅ Red flags that turn angel groups off
 ✅ The vision behind Pismo Ventures & founder blindspots
 ✅ Fundraising myths, dilution traps, and traction truths
 ✅ Real startup advice from a serial operator

JJ Richa is the CEO of Pismo Ventures and a long-time member of Tech Coast Angels, one of the most respected angel networks in the U.S. He brings years of experience turning ideas into scalable ventures and helping founders close the gap between vision and execution.

💡 If you're fundraising in 2025 or guiding early-stage startups, this is a tactical masterclass you can’t miss.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly episodes with founders, angels, and ecosystem builders:

   / @imanshumansinha  

🔗 Connect with the Guest:
 JJ Richa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjricha/


🔗 Connect with Me:
 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshumansinha1/
 Twitter: https://x.com/Mentor_Anshuman
 Website: https://theanshumansinha.com/

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Startup Steroid - Founders PodcastBy Startup Steroid