In this episode of The Capital Maze, Sarah sits down with Alex, a seasoned venture capitalist, to unpack the fundraising journey from the investor’s perspective. Whether you're bootstrapping your startup, navigating angel investments, or preparing for a VC pitch, this candid conversation dives into the nuances of timing, due diligence, convertible notes vs. SAFEs, and what truly sets fundable founders apart. Alex shares actionable insights on how VCs evaluate early-stage startups, what red flags they look for, and how founders can turn a "no" into long-term opportunity. Essential listening for any entrepreneur stepping into the world of venture funding. 

 In the debut episode of *The Capital Maze*, hosts Sarah Porter, CEO and founder of MedDefend, and Alex Chompff, investor at Minerva Fund and Evolution Ventures, dive deep into the world of early-stage investing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. Sarah and Alex discuss how to secure your first check, offering expert advice on pitching, networking, and identifying the right investors. They break down the essential steps to starting a successful startup, from ideation to execution. The duo also explores what it takes to become a venture capitalist and the skills needed to thrive in the competitive world of investing. Additionally, they provide a clear breakdown of the fundraising stages, explaining seed funding, Series A, and beyond. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise capital or someone interested in becoming a VC, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of the capital maze. Tune in to get practical advice and gain a better understanding of the early-stage investment landscape!