In this episode of Startup & Nation, I sit down with Vijay Rajendran, an investor, founder, venture builder at gAI Ventures, and author of The Funding Framework, one of the most practical and accessible fundraising books released this year.

We discuss how founders can master storytelling, navigate investors with intention, evaluate market size, differentiate from incumbents, and approach fundraising as a repeatable system rather than luck.

Vijay draws from his experience as a startup operator, a VC at 500 Global, a founder, and now a builder of vertical AI companies.If you’re a founder raising your first round or refining your narrative, Vijay’s insights will be very valuable to you.

00:00 How Vijay entered the startup world

02:46 The Funding Framework

04:47 The Art of Storytelling in Pitches

09:12 Understanding Market Size and Raising Capital

17:19 Navigating the Healthcare Space

19:55 Government's Role in Healthcare Innovation

25:10 Vijay's Future Plans and Resources for Founders

📘 Vijay’s Book - The Funding Framework:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DD63Y3FZ

📰 Vijay’s Substack - Startup System:

https://startup-system.substack.com/