Operator To Founder

Feeling stuck in analysis mode? This week’s #MondayMusings dives into five bite-sized mental models to snap you out of overthinking and into motion.

Learn how to trade perfection for progress, spot fake barriers, and turn every action into a learning loop. Momentum beats mastery, start small, move fast, and build your bias for action.

If you're a founder wondering how you can build a durable business in the era of AI - this one's for you!

This analysis from Openseed explores the probability of the AI boom being a bubble, utilising historical comparisons to the Dot Com crash and Web3 volatility to illustrate the cyclical nature of technological markets and key lessons you can take.

Not every investor “no” means the same thing. In this episode, learn the real and often unspoken reasons behind VC rejections, from dry powder issues to bias, internal politics, and off-thesis fits. Discover how to read the signals, qualify investors early, and focus your energy where a “yes” is actually possible.

Every time a founder shares a new business idea, they face three distinct personas: the skeptic, the supporter, and the silent observer.

Each one interprets the pitch differently, each one shapes its future. In this episode, we break down how to recognize these personas, decode what they really need to hear, and tailor your message to turn resistance into momentum.

Whether you are refining a pitch deck, testing a concept, or persuading early investors, you will learn the psychology behind first impressions and the conversational tactics that move ideas forward.

Thinking of raising your first angel round? Don’t hit send on that pitch deck just yet. In this episode, we break down the 10 questions every founder must answer before fundraising — from cap table traps and red flags to the narrative investors actually buy. Tactical, no-fluff guidance to help you raise like a second-time founder (even if it’s your first time).

From Capital to Catalyst: Activating Angel Investors

In this episode of The Startup Leap, we unpack Openseed VC’s view on how founders can get more than money from their angel investors.

From warm intros and GTM feedback to pitch coaching and customer access, angels can be powerful early-stage partners if activated strategically.

Learn how to make specific asks, gain honest insight, and turn early checks into real momentum.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to think beyond the check and build smarter with your angel network.

How should co-founders split equity?

We gathered insights from experienced founders who shared what they would have done differently if they could go back.

Should equity be split equally, or does it depend on factors like early risk-taking, leadership responsibility, and initial capital contributions? We explore various approaches, from equal splits fostering alignment to weighted allocations reflecting accountability and long-term commitment.

Key topics include:

✅ Why equal splits can work—but when they might not

✅ The impact of co-founder dilution versus investor dilution

✅ Why a founder vesting agreement is like...

Keeping investors in the loop isn’t just a formality—it’s a key part of building trust and securing future support. In this episode, we break down how to craft effective investor updates that keep stakeholders engaged and aligned with your startup’s progress.

Key Takeaways:

- Consistency is Key – Regular updates e.g., newsletters keep investors engaged

- Simple & Clear – Focus on key metrics like customer growth, revenue, and financial health

- Be Transparent – Share both wins and challenges to build credibility

- Ask for Help – Investors can provide valu...

As a founder, you’ll get a lot of advice (including ours)—sometimes conflicting, sometimes overwhelming.

So how do you know what to follow and what to ignore? In this episode, we break down how to evaluate advice effectively and make the best decisions for your startup.

Key Takeaways:

- Context Matters – Advice isn’t one-size-fits-all; consider your startup’s unique situation

- Evaluate the Source – Who is giving the advice, and what’s their experience?

- Watch for Biases – Investors, mentors, and peers may have different incentives

- Consider Exc...

Pitching to investors isn’t just about presenting your startup—it’s about answering the right questions in a way that builds confidence.

In this episode, we break down five key questions investors ask and what they’re really looking for in your responses. Listen in for insights on how to craft compelling answers that set you apart.

Key Takeaways:

- Your Founder Story – Investors want to see passion and a clear reason why you are the right person to build this

- Your Progress So Far – Demonstrate rapid execution and meaningful t...

Due diligence can feel daunting for early-stage founders, but understanding the process is key to securing funding.

In this episode, we break down what pre-seed investors look for and how to prepare effectively. Listen in for practical insights to strengthen your fundraising approach.

Key Takeaways:

- Early-Stage Due Diligence is Different – Investors focus on team strength, market traction, and vision, not just financials

- Key Documents Matter – Be prepared with team bios, financial projections, cap tables, legal structure, and proof of traction

- Showcase Potential Over Performance – Unlike late-stage rounds...

In this episode, we debunk common fundraising myths and highlight key strategies to navigate the process effectively.

Listen in for practical insights that will help you set the right expectations and approach fundraising with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

Similar Portfolio Companies Don’t Guarantee Investment – Investors look for fit, not just industry overlaps and if they've invested in a similar company, they're likely not to invest in yours.

A Term Sheet Isn’t Secured Funding – Understand what happens after you get one

Founders Must Engage Directly with Investors – Even junior team membe...

Securing early-stage funding takes more than a polished pitch deck.

Many founders mistakenly focus on deck design, charismatic pitching, and early traction without the right context. In this episode, we break down what investors really look for and how to position your startup for success. Listen in for nuanced insights that go beyond the surface-level fundraising advice.

Key Takeaways:

- More Than Just a Deck – A great design won’t secure funding without a compelling story

- What Investors Actually Prioritize – Unique insights, market expertise, and venture scale

- The Po...

Raising your first round? Your pitch deck matters more than you think.

Many founders unknowingly make small mistakes that hurt their chances with investors. In this episode, we break down 10 common but critical pitch deck errors and how to fix them. Listen in to make sure your deck leaves a strong first impression.

Key Takeaways (these are massively summarised, listen to the episode for nuance)

✅ Too Much Text – Keep it clear, concise, and scannable 📄

✅ Poor Team Slide Placement – Investors want to know who you are early on 👥

✅ Missing Contact Info – Make it e...

Securing your first institutional investment is a major milestone—but what comes next is just as critical. In this episode, we share insights from founders who’ve collectively raised over $50 million, covering the key steps to take after closing your round.

Key Takeaways:

- Strategic Planning Matters – Proactively set priorities and focus on execution

- Hire Thoughtfully – Grow your team at the right pace, not just because you can

- Test Before Scaling – Validate what works before pouring money into expansion

- Plan for Future Fundraising – Always stay ahead of the next...

Finding the right co-founder is one of the most important decisions for a tech startup.

In this episode, we explore nine proven ways to connect with the right partner and build a strong foundation for your business. Listen in for practical insights to help you find someone with the skills, values, and vision to scale with you.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Leverage Work Relationships – Past colleagues might be your best bet

✅ Tap Into Mutual Connections – Trusted referrals can lead to great partnerships

✅ Look to Educational Institutions – Alumni networks & universities are full of...

Before fully committing to a startup, how can you validate your idea?

In this episode, we explore 10 proven methods from OpenSeed VC to test viability and increase confidence before going all in. Listen in for nuanced insights that can help you assess whether your startup idea has real potential.

Key Takeaways:

- Get Real Commitments – Signed agreements & paying customers show true demand

- Find Smart Money – If competent angel investors believe in your idea, you're onto something

- Build a Strong Team – Attracting top talent signals a compelling vision

...

Every founder wants momentum, but momentum is built—not instant.

In this episode, we break down the five key stages founders go through from idea to traction, and how to push past inertia to create real progress.

Key Takeaways:

- Inertia – The idea is there, but doubts and hesitation slow action

- Initiation – You commit, start conversations, and test ideas, but progress feels unstructured

- Breakthrough – A major milestone shifts momentum (first customer, key hire, MVP launch)

- Compounding Progress – Small wins build into traction, and systems start form...

How do you know how much your new startup is worth?

Determining your startup's valuation is crucial for fundraising and equity discussions. In this episode, we explore strategies for assessing value at the pre-seed and seed stages.

Key Topics:

- Why Valuation Matters – Importance in funding and deal structures.

- Investor Perspectives – Emphasis on team, market potential, and execution over financials.

- Valuation Benchmarks – Typical pre-seed and seed valuations and market influences.

- Approaches for Founders – Balancing ambition with realism, validating valuations, and understanding investor focus on potentia...