### Do You Need VC Money? AI-native companies are relatively cheap to build and scale — the infrastructure is in place to make operations lean, fast, and affordable. With a good plan and compelling product, revenue can be generated at the early stages. Consider: - Seedstrapping (more about [[Seedstrapping vs Bootstrapping]]). - Raising from angels or micro-VCs — but only when it helps accelerate your roadmap. - Incubators and accelerators like YC for first-time founders - Bootstrapping to profitability. ### Fundraising Terms and Process - Use [YC SAFE](https://www.ycombinator.com/documents) notes for pre-seed/seed rounds. - Target value-add investors (domain experts, operators). - Pitch via **[Loom](https://www.loom.com/)**, **[Notion](https://www.notion.com/)** memos, and deck walkthroughs. Use **[Docsend](https://www.docsend.com/)** for security if you’re concerned about your IP. - Venture is a small circle, and you should always assume that VCs will share your deck, so whatever you share will be known across the valley. - Major VC firm partners typically make only 1-2 investments per year, and 90% or more of deals are outbound (i.e., they are the ones chasing founders). - If you’re chasing VCs, you’re in that 10% bucket and will be an uphill battle. Inbound includes warm intros from other founders - Consider [http://leanaiangel.com/](http://leanaiangel.com/) for seed-strapping.  ### Build a Network First - Founders should be active on **LinkedIn**, **X**, - Join startup **Slack** groups, demo days, and feedback sessions. - Be open — share your journey and build in public. Not only will you build trust and visibility, you’ll garner interested eyeballs who may jump in to help when the time is right. - Here’s a [good guide](https://docs.google.com/document/d/163t4I3CzQ-CUScBYp6fCxpboSgHxCB7syd4Jtzw7nco/edit?tab=t.0) for building relationships in the startup space.