Master the 10→100 scaling transition (2025): Shift from flat to functional org structure, hire 75-90 people in 18-24 months, build manager layer (VP/Head roles), preserve culture through “first 10 hires are critical,” implement systems (OKRs, KPIs, communication), solve founder communication…
Series C & Beyond: Growth Stage Funding & Expansion
Master Series C+ funding (2025): $50M median round (up 67% from 2020), $100M-$250M valuation, founder secondary sales ($2-5M typical), bridge financing strategies, late-stage investor types, M&A preparation, global expansion, path to IPO or acquisition. Table of Contents What is Series…
Series B Explained: When & How to Raise Series B (Step-by-Step)
Master Series B fundraising (2025): $5M-$10M ARR requirement, 15-20% monthly growth rate, $20M-$60M median raise (up from $15M historically), 90-120 day timeline, Series B investor types, complete preparation checklist, data room requirements, due diligence process. Table of Contents What is…
Secondary Funding: Previous Investors Doubling Down
Master secondary funding and follow-on investments (2025): Pro-rata rights explained, how existing investors maintain ownership, follow-on investment strategy, when to ask early investors for more capital, relationship building, signal value, 50% of early-stage VC reserves allocated for follow-ons. Table of…
Women Founders Fund & Diversity Funding Opportunities
Master women founder and diversity funding (2025): Female Founders Fund ($275M), Women VCs ($1.5B+ AUM), Black Girl Ventures, 500+ investor networks, grants up to ₹50 lakh, angel networks, equity crowdfunding, 2.3% women funding gap, sector-specific programs, practical strategies for underrepresented…
Government Grants & DPIIT Recognition: Free Funding You’re Missing
Master government funding for Indian startups (2025): Startup India scheme benefits, DPIIT recognition process, 100% income tax exemption (3 years), ASPIRE scheme grants up to ₹100 lakh, SISFS seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, government procurement access, angel tax exemption,…
Accelerator vs Direct VC: Should You Apply for YC or Sequoia?
Master the accelerator vs direct VC decision (2025): Y Combinator vs Sequoia vs Techstars comparison, pros/cons analysis, time commitment (3-6 months), equity terms (5-10%), network value, decision framework for founders at different stages. Table of Contents The Choice That Defines…
Series A Checklist: When You’re Ready to Scale
Master Series A readiness (2025): Key metrics to hit ($1M-$3M ARR, 10-20% monthly growth), team structure requirements (15-25 people), product-market fit validation, unit economics benchmarks, cap table optimization, term sheet expectations, due diligence preparation. Table of Contents What is Series…
Seed Round Strategy: $500K-$2M Fundraising Playbook
Master seed round fundraising (2025): 12-week preparation timeline, target investor identification, multi-tranche SAFE strategy, pitching techniques, closing negotiations, cap table planning, avoiding the Series A crunch with 18+ months runway. Table of Contents Why Seed Rounds Matter More Than Ever…
Due Diligence Explained: What Investors Will Ask About
Master startup due diligence (2025): Financial audit checklist, team credential verification, customer reference calls, legal documentation review, technical code audit, what VCs evaluate, how to prepare comprehensive data room. Table of Contents What is Due Diligence and Why It Matters…