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If you’re a pre-seed founder raising €500K–€1.5M, here’s what investors expect before serious conversations begin.

THE FOUNDATION
• Pitch deck (10–15 slides): Problem → Solution → Traction → Ask
• 3–5 year financial model with realistic assumptions
• Business plan/roadmap (5–10 pages max)
• Use of funds breakdown: where every euro goes

YOUR INVESTOR DATA ROOM
Your centralized repository. If it’s messy, investors ghost.

LEGAL & CORPORATE
• DPIIT recognition (India)
• Incorporation docs: MOA/AOA, PAN/TAN
• Cap table + governance structure
• Board minutes & resolutions
• Existing agreements/term sheets

FINANCIAL
• Monthly P&L, cash flow, balance sheet (3–6 months minimum)
• Budget + runway calculation
• Tax filings (GST, Income Tax)
• Insurance policies (D&O, liability)

IP, PRODUCT & TECH
• Domain/trademark ownership
• Product roadmap + tech architecture
• MVP/demo access
• Data privacy/security approach

MARKET & TRACTION
• Customer contracts/LOIs
• User metrics, testimonials, case studies
• Pipeline/CRM snapshot
• TAM/SAM/SOM + competitive analysis

TEAM & PEOPLE
• Founder CVs (highlight wins)
• Professional headshots + LinkedIn
• Advisory board credentials
• ESOP structure (if applicable)

RISK MANAGEMENT
• Identified risks + mitigation plans
• Pending disputes (disclose upfront)
• Reference contacts

PRE-SEED vs. SEED
Pre-seed: Investors bet on YOU (founder credibility + MVP proof)
Seed: Investors bet on the MODEL (12+ months financials + proven metrics)

INDIA NOTES
• Get DPIIT recognition early (tax benefits + schemes)
• International VCs? Check FEMA compliance
• Bangalore = 90% VC presence; Mumbai/NCR = institutional access

THE TRUTH
Investors validate upside AND identify risk. A clean data room = you’re execution-ready.

Save this. Share it with a founder preparing to raise.

#StartupFundraising #PreSeed #IndiaStartups #WomenFounders #VentureCapital #DataRoom #DueDiligence #FemaleFounders #StartupIndia

If you’re a pre-seed founder raising €500K–€1.5M, here’s what investors expect before serious conversations begin.

THE FOUNDATION
• Pitch deck (10–15 slides): Problem → Solution → Traction → Ask
• 3–5 year financial model with realistic assumptions
• Business plan/roadmap (5–10 pages max)
• Use of funds breakdown: where every euro goes

YOUR INVESTOR DATA ROOM
Your centralized repository. If it’s messy, investors ghost.

LEGAL & CORPORATE
• DPIIT recognition (India)
• Incorporation docs: MOA/AOA, PAN/TAN
• Cap table + governance structure
• Board minutes & resolutions
• Existing agreements/term sheets

FINANCIAL
• Monthly P&L, cash flow, balance sheet (3–6 months minimum)
• Budget + runway calculation
• Tax filings (GST, Income Tax)
• Insurance policies (D&O, liability)

IP, PRODUCT & TECH
• Domain/trademark ownership
• Product roadmap + tech architecture
• MVP/demo access
• Data privacy/security approach

MARKET & TRACTION
• Customer contracts/LOIs
• User metrics, testimonials, case studies
• Pipeline/CRM snapshot
• TAM/SAM/SOM + competitive analysis

TEAM & PEOPLE
• Founder CVs (highlight wins)
• Professional headshots + LinkedIn
• Advisory board credentials
• ESOP structure (if applicable)

RISK MANAGEMENT
• Identified risks + mitigation plans
• Pending disputes (disclose upfront)
• Reference contacts

PRE-SEED vs. SEED
Pre-seed: Investors bet on YOU (founder credibility + MVP proof)
Seed: Investors bet on the MODEL (12+ months financials + proven metrics)

INDIA NOTES
• Get DPIIT recognition early (tax benefits + schemes)
• International VCs? Check FEMA compliance
• Bangalore = 90% VC presence; Mumbai/NCR = institutional access

THE TRUTH
Investors validate upside AND identify risk. A clean data room = you’re execution-ready.

Save this. Share it with a founder preparing to raise.

#StartupFundraising #PreSeed #IndiaStartups #WomenFounders #VentureCapital #DataRoom #DueDiligence #FemaleFounders #StartupIndia

Most founders don’t fail at fundraising because their idea is weak. They fail because they’re talking to VCs who were never meant to back them in the first place.

Before your next pitch, do your homework:
✅ Check the VC’s stage, sector, and geography focus
✅ Review their latest portfolio deals
✅ Understand how hands-on they are with founders

It’s not about reaching every investor, it’s about reaching the right ones.
The best founders treat investor research like customer research. Targeted, data-backed, and strategic.

Raise smart. Not desperate.

#UmaForFounders #VCPitchTips #FemaleFounders #StartupStrategy #Fundraising101 #FounderMindset #BuildWithUma #StartupPodcast #VCInsights #WomenInStartups

Most founders don’t fail at fundraising because their idea is weak. They fail because they’re talking to VCs who were never meant to back them in the first place.

Before your next pitch, do your homework:
✅ Check the VC’s stage, sector, and geography focus
✅ Review their latest portfolio deals
✅ Understand how hands-on they are with founders

It’s not about reaching every investor, it’s about reaching the right ones.
The best founders treat investor research like customer research. Targeted, data-backed, and strategic.

Raise smart. Not desperate.

#UmaForFounders #VCPitchTips #FemaleFounders #StartupStrategy #Fundraising101 #FounderMindset #BuildWithUma #StartupPodcast #VCInsights #WomenInStartups

VC Term of the Week: Dilution & Cap Table Explained

What is Dilution?
Dilution happens every time your company issues new shares, typically during a funding round. As more shares are created for new investors, the percentage of the company you own goes down, even if the value of your shares goes up.

Example: If you own 10% before a round, but new shares are issued, your stake could drop to 6.7%.

Don’t panic: dilution is natural as long as your company’s valuation increases and you continue building value.

What is a Cap Table?
The cap table (capitalization table) is your startup’s most important spreadsheet. It lays out who owns what percentage of equity, including founders, investors, and employees.

Your cap table impacts every major business decision, from how much control you hold, to how much you’ll walk away with in an exit or IPO. Smart founders keep cap tables clean, accurate, and updated after every round.

Founder’s Cheat Sheet:

- Track your cap table before and after every funding round.

- Know your dilution math: more rounds = less % but ideally higher total value.

- Always ask investors what dilution protection terms (like anti-dilution or pro rata rights) they want.

- Cap table transparency builds investor trust and prevents future headaches.

#StartupFunding #VCTerminology #DilutionExplained #CapTable #FoundersJourney #Equity #Startups #VentureCapital #FundraisingTips #InvestorRelations #FounderCommunity

VC Term of the Week: Dilution & Cap Table Explained

What is Dilution?
Dilution happens every time your company issues new shares, typically during a funding round. As more shares are created for new investors, the percentage of the company you own goes down, even if the value of your shares goes up.

Example: If you own 10% before a round, but new shares are issued, your stake could drop to 6.7%.

Don’t panic: dilution is natural as long as your company’s valuation increases and you continue building value.

What is a Cap Table?
The cap table (capitalization table) is your startup’s most important spreadsheet. It lays out who owns what percentage of equity, including founders, investors, and employees.

Your cap table impacts every major business decision, from how much control you hold, to how much you’ll walk away with in an exit or IPO. Smart founders keep cap tables clean, accurate, and updated after every round.

Founder’s Cheat Sheet:

- Track your cap table before and after every funding round.

- Know your dilution math: more rounds = less % but ideally higher total value.

- Always ask investors what dilution protection terms (like anti-dilution or pro rata rights) they want.

- Cap table transparency builds investor trust and prevents future headaches.

#StartupFunding #VCTerminology #DilutionExplained #CapTable #FoundersJourney #Equity #Startups #VentureCapital #FundraisingTips #InvestorRelations #FounderCommunity

No founder wants to be defined by statistics. But in venture capital, the numbers are defining us.

Leading studies from Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group reveal the reality:

Women founders get fewer “how will you win?” questions and more “how will you avoid risks?” ones.

Our performance beats expectations; our funding lags behind.

The credibility gap? Still real: nearly 27% of VCs rate female teams “overrated.”

But here’s the paradox: women-led businesses consistently deliver higher ROI.

If you’re building or backing teams, these findings aren’t just numbers, they’re change waiting to happen.

Explore the carousel. Share the data.

#FundingFairness #StartupEquity #WomenFounders #VentureCapital #LeadershipMatters #DiversityInTech

No founder wants to be defined by statistics. But in venture capital, the numbers are defining us.

Leading studies from Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group reveal the reality:

Women founders get fewer “how will you win?” questions and more “how will you avoid risks?” ones.

Our performance beats expectations; our funding lags behind.

The credibility gap? Still real: nearly 27% of VCs rate female teams “overrated.”

But here’s the paradox: women-led businesses consistently deliver higher ROI.

If you’re building or backing teams, these findings aren’t just numbers, they’re change waiting to happen.

Explore the carousel. Share the data.

#FundingFairness #StartupEquity #WomenFounders #VentureCapital #LeadershipMatters #DiversityInTech

Investors can immediately tell if you’ve done your homework. This is a basic thing that all founders must do which is also something that most founders ignore. So many investors get fed up with irrelevant pitches, which wastes your time as a founder and also their time. They have got 100s of pitches, Dms, and emails waiting for them, so when you’re not prepared and don’t know the most basic things, it’s a big red flag.

#VentureCapital #Fundraising #StartupFunding #FounderTips #SeedRound #SeriesA #SeriesB #SeriesC #AngelInvesting #VCLife #Entrepreneurship #StartupAdvice #DueDiligence #InvestorRelations #FounderJourney #StartupStrategy #VentureDebt #PrivateEquity #FamilyOffice #StartupMetrics

Investors can immediately tell if you’ve done your homework. This is a basic thing that all founders must do which is also something that most founders ignore. So many investors get fed up with irrelevant pitches, which wastes your time as a founder and also their time. They have got 100s of pitches, Dms, and emails waiting for them, so when you’re not prepared and don’t know the most basic things, it’s a big red flag.

#VentureCapital #Fundraising #StartupFunding #FounderTips #SeedRound #SeriesA #SeriesB #SeriesC #AngelInvesting #VCLife #Entrepreneurship #StartupAdvice #DueDiligence #InvestorRelations #FounderJourney #StartupStrategy #VentureDebt #PrivateEquity #FamilyOffice #StartupMetrics

Many founders think pre-seed is just about getting ready to raise money, but it’s actually when you build the foundation for your startup. Investors want to see progress, not just promises. By focusing on key actions now, you can set yourself up for success later.

What You Should Do

Build an MVP: Create a simple version of your product to test your idea.

Validate your market: Talk to potential customers to confirm demand.

Network: Connect with other founders for advice and investor intros.

Prepare your pitch: Start crafting a clear story for investors.

#Startup #femalefounder #femalefounders #womenintech #womenintechnology #gendergap
#Founder
#PreSeed
#Tech
#Entrepreneurship
#StartupFunding
#TechFounder

Many founders think pre-seed is just about getting ready to raise money, but it’s actually when you build the foundation for your startup. Investors want to see progress, not just promises. By focusing on key actions now, you can set yourself up for success later.

What You Should Do

Build an MVP: Create a simple version of your product to test your idea.

Validate your market: Talk to potential customers to confirm demand.

Network: Connect with other founders for advice and investor intros.

Prepare your pitch: Start crafting a clear story for investors.

#Startup #femalefounder #femalefounders #womenintech #womenintechnology #gendergap
#Founder
#PreSeed
#Tech
#Entrepreneurship
#StartupFunding
#TechFounder

Brilliant founders with game-changing ideas get passed over because they can’t clearly articulate their burn rate or justify their revenue projections.
Meanwhile, founders with ‘good enough’ ideas but crystal-clear financial stories walk away with term sheets.
VCs aren’t just investing in your product, they’re investing in your ability to be a steward of their money. These metrics prove you understand the business of business.
Tag a founder who needs to see this
#FemaleFounders #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #FinancialMetrics #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #StartupLife #FundingPrep #BusinessMetrics #FounderTips

Brilliant founders with game-changing ideas get passed over because they can’t clearly articulate their burn rate or justify their revenue projections.
Meanwhile, founders with ‘good enough’ ideas but crystal-clear financial stories walk away with term sheets.
VCs aren’t just investing in your product, they’re investing in your ability to be a steward of their money. These metrics prove you understand the business of business.
Tag a founder who needs to see this
#FemaleFounders #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #FinancialMetrics #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #StartupLife #FundingPrep #BusinessMetrics #FounderTips

Investors aren't just evaluating your startup, they're evaluating your thinking process. When you can articulate exactly what you need, why you need it, and how it connects to business outcomes, you're demonstrating the strategic thinking that turns ideas into successful companies.

1. How much money are you planning to raise?

Why do investors want to know this? They’re checking if you’ve done your research.

To get it right: Consider where you envision your business in 18 months (like launching your product or achieving a user target). Then, reverse engineer.

2. What’s your plan for spending every dollar?"
They seek a detailed strategy that demonstrates your focus and planning.
To get it right: Break down your budget into four distinct categories:
People (60-70%): Who are you hiring, when, and how will they contribute to revenue?

3. What results will this money bring?

Investors are more interested in the outcomes of your actions than the actions themselves. They want to see numbers, not just aspirations. Demonstrate that you focus on measurable results rather than just being busy.

Link every significant expense to a specific result using this structure:

4. How does this lead to more revenue?

Investors are keen on revenue as it demonstrates that customers appreciate what you’re creating. They want to understand how your expenditures translate into sales, not just “growth.”

Connect every expense to one of these three revenue enhancers:

Customer Acquisition: How you’ll attract and enroll customers more quickly or cost-effectively.

Customer Retention: How you’ll maintain customers longer to maximize their value.

Higher Prices: How your product can command higher prices by enhancing its value.

Coming Next Week: We'll cover questions 5-8, including the one question that reveals whether you truly understand your market timing and the question that separates first-time founders from serial entrepreneurs.

Investors aren't just evaluating your startup, they're evaluating your thinking process. When you can articulate exactly what you need, why you need it, and how it connects to business outcomes, you're demonstrating the strategic thinking that turns ideas into successful companies.

1. How much money are you planning to raise?

Why do investors want to know this? They’re checking if you’ve done your research.

To get it right: Consider where you envision your business in 18 months (like launching your product or achieving a user target). Then, reverse engineer.

2. What’s your plan for spending every dollar?"
They seek a detailed strategy that demonstrates your focus and planning.
To get it right: Break down your budget into four distinct categories:
People (60-70%): Who are you hiring, when, and how will they contribute to revenue?

3. What results will this money bring?

Investors are more interested in the outcomes of your actions than the actions themselves. They want to see numbers, not just aspirations. Demonstrate that you focus on measurable results rather than just being busy.

Link every significant expense to a specific result using this structure:

4. How does this lead to more revenue?

Investors are keen on revenue as it demonstrates that customers appreciate what you’re creating. They want to understand how your expenditures translate into sales, not just “growth.”

Connect every expense to one of these three revenue enhancers:

Customer Acquisition: How you’ll attract and enroll customers more quickly or cost-effectively.

Customer Retention: How you’ll maintain customers longer to maximize their value.

Higher Prices: How your product can command higher prices by enhancing its value.

Coming Next Week: We'll cover questions 5-8, including the one question that reveals whether you truly understand your market timing and the question that separates first-time founders from serial entrepreneurs.

Yes, capital matters. But funding alone won’t carry you through the pressure, uncertainty, or emotional burnout that often comes with building a startup, especially when you're doing it as an underestimated founder.

Burnout is more common than breakthrough.
Most women founders aren’t lacking talent, they’re building in silence, under-resourced, and constantly second-guessing themselves.

Capital helps.
But it’s not enough if you’re overwhelmed, isolated, or running on fumes.

#WomenFounders #BuildWithUma #FounderSupport #indianfounders #femalefounders #femalefoundercollective #womenentrepreneurs

Yes, capital matters. But funding alone won’t carry you through the pressure, uncertainty, or emotional burnout that often comes with building a startup, especially when you're doing it as an underestimated founder.

Burnout is more common than breakthrough.
Most women founders aren’t lacking talent, they’re building in silence, under-resourced, and constantly second-guessing themselves.

Capital helps.
But it’s not enough if you’re overwhelmed, isolated, or running on fumes.

#WomenFounders #BuildWithUma #FounderSupport #indianfounders #femalefounders #femalefoundercollective #womenentrepreneurs

Raising funds is thrilling, but term sheets can hide traps that cost you your startup’s future. Only 2.3% of global VC funding goes to women-led startups , so every term matters for female founders. This carousel breaks down the 4 term sheet clauses you can’t ignore:

Liquidation Preference: Determines who gets paid first in an exit. FanDuel’s founders got $0 from a $465M sale due to a 2x preference . Negotiate for 1x non-participating to protect your payout.
Anti-Dilution: Protects investors in down rounds, which hit 23% of VC deals in Q1 2024 . Weighted-average terms save your equity from harsh dilution.
Board Composition: Investors often demand board seats, sometimes majority control . Balance the board to keep your vision alive.
Vesting Schedule: Locks your equity over time. With 49% of founders considering leaving in 2024 , fair vesting terms are crucial.

Swipe to protect your startup and save this post for your next deal. Always consult a lawyer before signing.

Which clause surprised you most? Comment below!

#FemaleFounders #TermSheetTips #StartupFunding #WomenInBusiness #FounderEducation #StartupLegal #Entrepreneurship

Raising funds is thrilling, but term sheets can hide traps that cost you your startup’s future. Only 2.3% of global VC funding goes to women-led startups , so every term matters for female founders. This carousel breaks down the 4 term sheet clauses you can’t ignore:

Liquidation Preference: Determines who gets paid first in an exit. FanDuel’s founders got $0 from a $465M sale due to a 2x preference . Negotiate for 1x non-participating to protect your payout.
Anti-Dilution: Protects investors in down rounds, which hit 23% of VC deals in Q1 2024 . Weighted-average terms save your equity from harsh dilution.
Board Composition: Investors often demand board seats, sometimes majority control . Balance the board to keep your vision alive.
Vesting Schedule: Locks your equity over time. With 49% of founders considering leaving in 2024 , fair vesting terms are crucial.

Swipe to protect your startup and save this post for your next deal. Always consult a lawyer before signing.

Which clause surprised you most? Comment below!

#FemaleFounders #TermSheetTips #StartupFunding #WomenInBusiness #FounderEducation #StartupLegal #Entrepreneurship

Three financial terms keep tripping up founders (including me!), and mastering them changes everything:

Cap Table - This shows who owns what in your company. Think of it as the “family tree” of your startup. I’ve seen too many friends realize too late they signed away control of their own companies because they didn’t understand this!

IRR (Internal Rate of Return) - This is basically how fast investors expect their money to grow each year. Most VCs want 25-35% for early-stage startups. When you know this number, you can set realistic goals that won’t scare them away.

MOIC (Multiple on Invested Capital) - The big payoff number! If an investor puts in $1 million, they might expect $3 million back (that’s 3x MOIC).

Here’s the wake-up call: most startups never hit even 2x MOIC.

What financial term confuses you the most? Drop it in the comments! And tag a founder friend who needs this info right now.

#CapTableExplained #IRRForFounders #MOICBasics #StartupMetrics #FundraisingTips #WomenInTechIndia #FrenchTechFounders #WomenWhoRaise #FemaleFounders #TechWomen #IndianStartups #ParisTech #USAVentureCapital #BharatFounders #SiliconValleyWomen

Three financial terms keep tripping up founders (including me!), and mastering them changes everything:

Cap Table - This shows who owns what in your company. Think of it as the “family tree” of your startup. I’ve seen too many friends realize too late they signed away control of their own companies because they didn’t understand this!

IRR (Internal Rate of Return) - This is basically how fast investors expect their money to grow each year. Most VCs want 25-35% for early-stage startups. When you know this number, you can set realistic goals that won’t scare them away.

MOIC (Multiple on Invested Capital) - The big payoff number! If an investor puts in $1 million, they might expect $3 million back (that’s 3x MOIC).

Here’s the wake-up call: most startups never hit even 2x MOIC.

What financial term confuses you the most? Drop it in the comments! And tag a founder friend who needs this info right now.

#CapTableExplained #IRRForFounders #MOICBasics #StartupMetrics #FundraisingTips #WomenInTechIndia #FrenchTechFounders #WomenWhoRaise #FemaleFounders #TechWomen #IndianStartups #ParisTech #USAVentureCapital #BharatFounders #SiliconValleyWomen

You pitched your heart out, and an investor just said YES! But what happens next can make or break your funding journey. Did you know that 73% of founders struggle during the due diligence phase after interest is shown?

Let’s unpack the reality behind that crucial “we want to invest” email and how you can turn it into a smooth win.

Due diligence is not just paperwork-it’s a deep dive into your startup’s legal, financial, and team health. Investors in India, France, and the USA each have unique expectations, but one thing’s universal: preparation is your secret weapon. For example, 62% of Series A startups in India use dedicated funding hubs like Standard Ledger to streamline this process. Meanwhile, French investors focus heavily on founder resilience, and US VCs scrutinize financial runway like hawks.

You don’t have to get caught off guard. Build your early-organize your IP documents, cap tables, contracts, and financials. Anticipate curveballs like valuation renegotiations or requests for 18-month runway proof. These steps can save you weeks of stress and keep your deal on track.

Actionable insight: Start prepping your due diligence checklist before you get that investor email.

I want to hear from YOU: What’s the biggest surprise you faced during investor due diligence? Drop your story below - I’ll share the most insightful ones in my next post!

#FounderDueDiligence #WomenInVC #DelhiStartups #ParisTech #SVStartups #SeedToScale #InvestorInsights#FounderDueDiligence #DelhiStartups #SVStartups #InvestorInsights

You pitched your heart out, and an investor just said YES! But what happens next can make or break your funding journey. Did you know that 73% of founders struggle during the due diligence phase after interest is shown?

Let’s unpack the reality behind that crucial “we want to invest” email and how you can turn it into a smooth win.

Due diligence is not just paperwork-it’s a deep dive into your startup’s legal, financial, and team health. Investors in India, France, and the USA each have unique expectations, but one thing’s universal: preparation is your secret weapon. For example, 62% of Series A startups in India use dedicated funding hubs like Standard Ledger to streamline this process. Meanwhile, French investors focus heavily on founder resilience, and US VCs scrutinize financial runway like hawks.

You don’t have to get caught off guard. Build your early-organize your IP documents, cap tables, contracts, and financials. Anticipate curveballs like valuation renegotiations or requests for 18-month runway proof. These steps can save you weeks of stress and keep your deal on track.

Actionable insight: Start prepping your due diligence checklist before you get that investor email.

I want to hear from YOU: What’s the biggest surprise you faced during investor due diligence? Drop your story below - I’ll share the most insightful ones in my next post!

#FounderDueDiligence #WomenInVC #DelhiStartups #ParisTech #SVStartups #SeedToScale #InvestorInsights#FounderDueDiligence #DelhiStartups #SVStartups #InvestorInsights

"You can’t pitch clarity from a nervous system in survival mode."

Read that again.

If you're feeling scattered during investor calls…
If your voice shakes even though you know your numbers…
If you freeze or over-explain to prove you're "enough"...

It’s not because you’re underprepared.
It’s because your nervous system is overworked.

As founders, especially women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, we’re not just managing pitch decks.
We’re carrying years of pressure, doubt, rejection, and silence.

That shows up in the room.

Clarity doesn’t come from forcing more. It comes from feeling safe, steady, and supported.

You can’t think like a CEO if your body still feels like it’s in survival.

Mental health in tech isn’t a side note. It's a core strategy.

At Uma, we believe founder wellness is a competitive advantage.
Healing is productivity.
Rest is strategy.
And clarity is capital.

You’re not weak for needing support.
You’re strong for choosing to regulate, not just react.

Because the future of startup life won’t be built by the loudest voice in the room, but by those building sustainable success with nervous system healing, diversity in tech, and trauma-informed infrastructure at the core.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor.
You’re allowed to build without breaking.
You’re allowed to feel safe while scaling.

#FounderWellness #WomenInStartups
#BurnoutCulture #PitchWithPower
#ClarityIsCapital #EmotionalIntelligence
#VCFunding #RestIsStrategy
#StartupLife #NervousSystemHealing
#TraumaAware #HealingIsProductivity
#MentalHealthInTech #DiversityInTech
#UmaForFounders #MentalHealthForFounders

"You can’t pitch clarity from a nervous system in survival mode."

Read that again.

If you're feeling scattered during investor calls…
If your voice shakes even though you know your numbers…
If you freeze or over-explain to prove you're "enough"...

It’s not because you’re underprepared.
It’s because your nervous system is overworked.

As founders, especially women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, we’re not just managing pitch decks.
We’re carrying years of pressure, doubt, rejection, and silence.

That shows up in the room.

Clarity doesn’t come from forcing more. It comes from feeling safe, steady, and supported.

You can’t think like a CEO if your body still feels like it’s in survival.

Mental health in tech isn’t a side note. It's a core strategy.

At Uma, we believe founder wellness is a competitive advantage.
Healing is productivity.
Rest is strategy.
And clarity is capital.

You’re not weak for needing support.
You’re strong for choosing to regulate, not just react.

Because the future of startup life won’t be built by the loudest voice in the room, but by those building sustainable success with nervous system healing, diversity in tech, and trauma-informed infrastructure at the core.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor.
You’re allowed to build without breaking.
You’re allowed to feel safe while scaling.

#FounderWellness #WomenInStartups
#BurnoutCulture #PitchWithPower
#ClarityIsCapital #EmotionalIntelligence
#VCFunding #RestIsStrategy
#StartupLife #NervousSystemHealing
#TraumaAware #HealingIsProductivity
#MentalHealthInTech #DiversityInTech
#UmaForFounders #MentalHealthForFounders

A lot of people think venture capital is the only way to grow a startup. But for many women founders, that kind of funding doesn’t always make sense. It often means giving up equity, control, or feeling pressure to grow too fast.
That’s where non-dilutive funding comes in. It gives you money to build your business, without giving away ownership. You keep control.
There are a few different types:  – Grants (money you don’t have to pay back)  – Crowdfunding (raising funds from your audience or community)  – Revenue-Based Financing (you repay based on how much you earn)
Each one works differently, but together, they form a toolkit that helps you grow on your own terms. You can mix and match depending on what stage you’re in.

#womenfounders #startupfunding #nondilutivefunding #grantsforstartups #crowdfunding #revenuebasedfinancing #femaleentrepreneurs #buildyourway #earlystagefounders #fundingoptions #inclusivefunding #founderfinance #ownershipmatters #smartcapital #umafundingseries

A lot of people think venture capital is the only way to grow a startup. But for many women founders, that kind of funding doesn’t always make sense. It often means giving up equity, control, or feeling pressure to grow too fast.
That’s where non-dilutive funding comes in. It gives you money to build your business, without giving away ownership. You keep control.
There are a few different types:  – Grants (money you don’t have to pay back)  – Crowdfunding (raising funds from your audience or community)  – Revenue-Based Financing (you repay based on how much you earn)
Each one works differently, but together, they form a toolkit that helps you grow on your own terms. You can mix and match depending on what stage you’re in.

#womenfounders #startupfunding #nondilutivefunding #grantsforstartups #crowdfunding #revenuebasedfinancing #femaleentrepreneurs #buildyourway #earlystagefounders #fundingoptions #inclusivefunding #founderfinance #ownershipmatters #smartcapital #umafundingseries

According to Harvard Business School research, VCs allocate just 3 minutes and 44 seconds on average to each deck.

Even more concerning, DocSend's research reveals viewing times dropped by 16% for successful decks between 2022-2023.

With thousands pitch decks created daily globally, yours needs to immediately signal value. But here's the opportunity: knowing exactly where investors focus their limited attention gives you a strategic advantage.

In 2023, VCs spent 48% more time scrutinizing business models and 25% more time reviewing traction sections. By prioritizing these areas while maintaining Silicon Valley VC Guy Kawasaki's 10-slide rule, you dramatically increase your chances of securing that follow-up meeting

Focus on creating clear, concise slides that investors actually care about. Strip away jargon, use visuals strategically, and ensure your business model and traction slides tell a compelling, realistic story backed by data.

sources :

https://www.sketchbubble.com/blog/pitch-deck-statistics-what-investors-prefer-the-most/

https://vivatechnology.com/news/how-to-structure-a-startup-pitch-deck-that-attracts-investors

#FemaleFounders #PitchDeckTips #StartupFunding #FrenchEntrepreneurs #IndianStartups #VentureCapital #WomenInTech

According to Harvard Business School research, VCs allocate just 3 minutes and 44 seconds on average to each deck.

Even more concerning, DocSend's research reveals viewing times dropped by 16% for successful decks between 2022-2023.

With thousands pitch decks created daily globally, yours needs to immediately signal value. But here's the opportunity: knowing exactly where investors focus their limited attention gives you a strategic advantage.

In 2023, VCs spent 48% more time scrutinizing business models and 25% more time reviewing traction sections. By prioritizing these areas while maintaining Silicon Valley VC Guy Kawasaki's 10-slide rule, you dramatically increase your chances of securing that follow-up meeting

Focus on creating clear, concise slides that investors actually care about. Strip away jargon, use visuals strategically, and ensure your business model and traction slides tell a compelling, realistic story backed by data.

sources :

https://www.sketchbubble.com/blog/pitch-deck-statistics-what-investors-prefer-the-most/

https://vivatechnology.com/news/how-to-structure-a-startup-pitch-deck-that-attracts-investors

#FemaleFounders #PitchDeckTips #StartupFunding #FrenchEntrepreneurs #IndianStartups #VentureCapital #WomenInTech

Adam Neumann lost billions at WeWork and still walked away with a $1.7 billion package. Now, he’s back with Flow-and VCs just handed him another $100 million! Meanwhile, women founders are fighting for every single dollar, getting just 2% of all VC funding.

How is this fair?

It’s time to call out the double standard. If women founders got the same support and second chances, imagine the innovation we’d see! We need more diversity, more fairness, and more accountability in venture capital.

#VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness #StartupLife #FundingGap #EqualityForAll #AdamNeumann #WeWork #Flow #InvestInWomen #Startups #TechNews #DisruptTheNorm #ChangeTheGame #DiversityMatters #Innovation

Adam Neumann, WeWork, Flow startup, venture capital, VC funding, women founders, gender gap, startup funding, tech industry, business equity, Andreessen Horowitz, startup investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, business news

Adam Neumann lost billions at WeWork and still walked away with a $1.7 billion package. Now, he’s back with Flow-and VCs just handed him another $100 million! Meanwhile, women founders are fighting for every single dollar, getting just 2% of all VC funding.

How is this fair?

It’s time to call out the double standard. If women founders got the same support and second chances, imagine the innovation we’d see! We need more diversity, more fairness, and more accountability in venture capital.

#VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness #StartupLife #FundingGap #EqualityForAll #AdamNeumann #WeWork #Flow #InvestInWomen #Startups #TechNews #DisruptTheNorm #ChangeTheGame #DiversityMatters #Innovation

Adam Neumann, WeWork, Flow startup, venture capital, VC funding, women founders, gender gap, startup funding, tech industry, business equity, Andreessen Horowitz, startup investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, business news

Fundraising is tough, but your mindset can be your superpower. Which of these 5 shifts will you try first?

Drop your answer below and tag a founder who needs this today!

#WomenWhoLead #FounderMindset #FundraisingTips #FemaleFoundersFrance #WomenEntrepreneursIndia #WomenInBusinessUSA #EmpowerFounders

Fundraising is tough, but your mindset can be your superpower. Which of these 5 shifts will you try first?

Drop your answer below and tag a founder who needs this today!

#WomenWhoLead #FounderMindset #FundraisingTips #FemaleFoundersFrance #WomenEntrepreneursIndia #WomenInBusinessUSA #EmpowerFounders

The numbers don’t lie: women-led startups deliver 35% HIGHER ROI yet face massive funding disparities. But there’s hope on the horizon:

• Female angel investors back women founders 4× more frequently
• Remote-first incubators eliminate 89% of the “relocation penalty” gap
• AI validation tools like SANDBOX cut funding bias by 63%

The funding gap isn’t just unfair, it’s economically irrational. We’re ALL losing out on innovation when high-performing women-led startups receive pennies on the dollar compared to their male counterparts.

What barriers have you faced in securing funding? And investors, are you leaving money on the table by overlooking women founders?

#FundingEquality #WomenInTech #VentureCapital #FounderLife #InvestInWomen

The numbers don’t lie: women-led startups deliver 35% HIGHER ROI yet face massive funding disparities. But there’s hope on the horizon:

• Female angel investors back women founders 4× more frequently
• Remote-first incubators eliminate 89% of the “relocation penalty” gap
• AI validation tools like SANDBOX cut funding bias by 63%

The funding gap isn’t just unfair, it’s economically irrational. We’re ALL losing out on innovation when high-performing women-led startups receive pennies on the dollar compared to their male counterparts.

What barriers have you faced in securing funding? And investors, are you leaving money on the table by overlooking women founders?

#FundingEquality #WomenInTech #VentureCapital #FounderLife #InvestInWomen

What is Venture Capital, really?
If you’re a founder raising funds, SAVE this post, it’s your quick VC 101.

Heard terms like carried interest or pre-seed and smiled through the confusion? You’re not alone. The venture world can feel like alphabet soup, but not knowing the lingo can cost you funding, confidence, and clarity.

Here’s your crash course:
VC is private money that comes with big expectations, fast growth and big returns.
And behind the scenes? Fund managers (GPs) invest capital they raise from LPs like pension funds.

Start with this mini-glossary, study it, own the room next pitch.
You’ve got this.

#VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness #StartupFunding #FounderGlossary #Startup101 #UmaForFounders #UnderrepresentedFounders #RaisingCapital

What is Venture Capital, really?
If you’re a founder raising funds, SAVE this post, it’s your quick VC 101.

Heard terms like carried interest or pre-seed and smiled through the confusion? You’re not alone. The venture world can feel like alphabet soup, but not knowing the lingo can cost you funding, confidence, and clarity.

Here’s your crash course:
VC is private money that comes with big expectations, fast growth and big returns.
And behind the scenes? Fund managers (GPs) invest capital they raise from LPs like pension funds.

Start with this mini-glossary, study it, own the room next pitch.
You’ve got this.

#VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness #StartupFunding #FounderGlossary #Startup101 #UmaForFounders #UnderrepresentedFounders #RaisingCapital

Ever wondered where venture capitalists get THEIR money?
Most people think VCs just write checks to startups, but who funds THEM?

VC firms don’t use their own money, they manage funds raised from powerful investors called LPs (Limited Partners).

Here’s how the money flows in the VC ecosystem:

🔹 Limited Partners (LPs) → 💸 Invest in VC Funds
🔹 Venture Capital Firms → 🚀 Invest in Startups
🔹 Startups Grow & Exit → 💰 Returns Go Back to LPs & VCs

But did you know VCs don’t just make money from successful startups? 👀
Swipe to learn about VC fees & global variations!

Which part of VC funding surprises you the most? Comment below!

#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #HowVCWorks #UmaForFounders #entrepreneursindia #venturecapitalist #womenintech #femaleentrepreneurs #femaleentrepreneursuk #femalefounders

Ever wondered where venture capitalists get THEIR money?
Most people think VCs just write checks to startups, but who funds THEM?

VC firms don’t use their own money, they manage funds raised from powerful investors called LPs (Limited Partners).

Here’s how the money flows in the VC ecosystem:

🔹 Limited Partners (LPs) → 💸 Invest in VC Funds
🔹 Venture Capital Firms → 🚀 Invest in Startups
🔹 Startups Grow & Exit → 💰 Returns Go Back to LPs & VCs

But did you know VCs don’t just make money from successful startups? 👀
Swipe to learn about VC fees & global variations!

Which part of VC funding surprises you the most? Comment below!

#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #HowVCWorks #UmaForFounders #entrepreneursindia #venturecapitalist #womenintech #femaleentrepreneurs #femaleentrepreneursuk #femalefounders

Starting this journey feels both terrifying and exciting! I've seen too many brilliant women struggle to get funded simply because of their gender.
The bias goes even deeper, with the percentage being significantly lower for women of color founders. Uma is my solution to this market gap.

Want to help shape its development? Survey in bio.

#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #FundingEquality #GenderEquity #DiversityInVC #WomenFounders #WomenInTech #Entrepreneur #VentureCapital #UmaForFounders

Starting this journey feels both terrifying and exciting! I've seen too many brilliant women struggle to get funded simply because of their gender.
The bias goes even deeper, with the percentage being significantly lower for women of color founders. Uma is my solution to this market gap.

Want to help shape its development? Survey in bio.

#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #FundingEquality #GenderEquity #DiversityInVC #WomenFounders #WomenInTech #Entrepreneur #VentureCapital #UmaForFounders

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@umaforfounders

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