I think it is important for founders to be resourceful when trying to connect with a VC. Cold outbound is always going to be challenging because, these days, most VCs openly share their email. That typically translates to a flood of inbound pitches.

As a founder navigating and extending the network, you is key. Go to meetups, reconnect with past colleagues, and find inroads to get warm introductions. This also shows hustle, which is a key attribute to be a successful entrepreneur.

I like a “prepared” mindset entrepreneur who has done their work on their target customer, the market dynamics, their competition, and me. Ie its important to have done your work on if the VC you’re pitching is the right fit from a sector and temperament standpoint.

A lot of founders pitch AI like it’s magic. But CIOs—and by extension, we as investors—care about results in the context of enterprise complexity. AI that doesn't align with existing enterprise workflows or deliver measurable ROI won’t get adopted. Don’t just say ‘agent’ or ‘copilot’—show how it works in the wild.

I call it ‘Founder Love.’ I was in the trenches myself—twice—so I look for the founder I can go to war with. Grit, clarity of thought, and obsession with customer pain are non-negotiables. The best founders are magnets for talent and won’t quit when the market turns.