#22 | Cost of Delay | Fundraising for Your Startup | How to Break Into VC
Personal:
On Mental Barriers
I have a list of personal goals I'd really love to accomplish at some point. Some of them, I've realized, I keep moving from Q1 to Q2, then to Q3, and so on, because there's not enough time, or I feel, "I should have done it earlier, but it's too late now so I'll postpone it to a better time." Does this sound familiar?
Imagine a year from now; wouldn't you wish you had started today? So, why wait?
Time flies, and it only leaves us with two things: regret or results.
Think about it - a year from now, wouldn't you feel better having ticked the boxes on your personal “to-do list”?
Perhaps a year from now, you'll wish you had said "no" more often.
Perhaps a year from now, you could become an accomplished content creator, have a crypto/stocks portfolio, or finally get the visa you've dreamt of for a while and move to a new country?
A year from now, the results might still be uncertain. But one thing is for sure, you'll definitely regret not starting today. So, go for it!
App:
TSA PreCheck: This isn't an app, but it can save you time and stress if you're traveling to or within the US. If there were a guide on how to pass through security in 10 seconds, TSA PreCheck would be the perfect solution.
The TSA PreCheck Global Entry Pass is a fantastic resource if you frequently travel internationally, as it provides a shortcut through airport security screenings.
Media:
All Money is Not Created Equal by David Spreng
This is a great book written by David Spreng, the founder of Runway Growth Capital. It's a must-read if you want to secure VC investment, learn more about startup stages, the ecosystem, and how to find your first investors.
It also teaches you about venture debt and how growth companies can benefit from it.
Everything you need to know is in this one book! You might even spot one of our renowned fundraising scheme in there;)
Learnings:
Struggling to get an internship or a job?
Create your role + How to Break Into Venture Capital Guide.
The easiest way to start in a VC is to secure an internship while still in school.
How?
Students typically secure internships through these methods:
- Recommendation - Ideally, someone like a professor, a portfolio company founder, or an operator who has a relationship with a VC firm, recommends the student based on their performance.
- Direct Application - Many VCs are hiring, and you can always apply directly, but this is still my least favorite method of securing an internship.
- Create Your Role - If you have a particular project in mind that you would love to run with a VC firm, it will be much easier to secure an internship or set up a role for yourself! Propose an independent study to a VC firm, even if they haven't listed internships. If the firm sees value, they'll accept the proposal, and you'll gain job experience working in a VC firm.
P.S. The last point applies to any job. If you are talented and driven, you'll always find a way to work with your dream company by creating value for them and carving out a role for yourself.
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I'm Yana, crafting this awesome newsletter every Sunday in my spare time.
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