Claim OwnershipFunded | How They Raised Millions
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© Jason Yeh
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The tech media loves a splashy funding announcement - millions of dollars injected into a hot startup primed to become a unicorn. But what about the work behind those headlines? Host Jason Yeh, a former VC and venture-backed startup founder, talks with entrepreneurs about how they raised the capital to launch world-changing startups. Their conversations uncover incredible stories including cautionary tales, inspirational memories, and even some insightful tips. Keep up with us on social @fundedpod to learn more.
225 Episodes
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Cold outreach fails when it makes an investor ask, “If this deal is so good, why did it reach me cold?” Jason breaks down the situations where cold outreach can work, including travel, real calendar density, and the rare company whose traction speaks for itself. He also explains why warm introductions should still make up most of a fundraise and why a VC saying “we accept cold decks” does not mean cold is equally useful for every founder.
AI isn't just changing how fast startups build. It's changing who can build, how companies find product-market fit, which software moats survive, whether building in public still makes sense, and what kinds of businesses are worth starting. Jason works through the implications for cofounders, community-led distribution, feature-sized startups, product development, and why waiting for the AI landscape to settle is the worst move.
Fundraising advice often assumes every founder starts with the same level of credibility. They don't. Jason breaks down two paths: the founder with a built-in credibility halo who can run a targeted process, and the first-time founder who needs volume, calendar density, and competitive dynamics to overcome doubt. Knowing which category you're in changes how you should build your investor list and run the round.
Before your next fundraise, your existing investors need to believe the next-round story too. Jason explains how to shift from purely asking for help to sharing milestones and momentum that make your current backers excited enough to introduce you, talk about you, and carry the story into rooms you're not in. The investors on your cap table can be more than advisors; managed well, they can become part of your fundraising distribution.
Working on your narrative isn't just about making a better pitch — it's about exposing the gaps in your company. In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason breaks down why the holes in your story are actually a roadmap for what you need to go build. If your narrative is begging for traction, go get traction. If it's begging for a co-founder, go find one. The best version of your pitch is the best version of your company — and this episode shows you how to use one to build the other.
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