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NEW SERIES: We asked our advisors — ex-VCs, serial founders, grant specialists — what separates the founders who make it from those who don’t. Their answers might surprise you. First post drops tomorrow.

14 advisors who’ve seen hundreds of pitches, funded dozens of companies, and learned what actually matters. This week: their unfiltered advice.

Emily deployed $50M+ at Lightspeed before joining TFG. Her #1 filter: clarity. Can you explain the problem you solve in one sentence?

Hon has taken multiple companies from founding to exit — IPOs and acquisitions. His litmus test: how quickly can you learn and adapt?

Kristina has published 100+ research papers on GTM strategy. Her advice: customer discovery isn’t optional. It’s the job.

Jeff has closed deals at every stage from seed to IPO. His question cuts to the heart of timing and competitive advantage. Can you answer it?

Nikki has overseen 60+ startups at Growth Factory Ventures. Her question tests for unique insight — the unfair advantage that can’t be copied.

Gregory has helped 500+ companies with strategy. His question reveals whether you’re actually listening to customers — or just building what you want.

Emily has seen thousands of pitches. The #1 mistake: talking about your solution before the investor understands why they should care about the problem.

Axel has built and exited companies on two continents. His advice: quality over quantity. 15 right investors beats 200 wrong ones.

Hon has seen the full startup lifecycle. His warning: desperation fundraising never works. Start when you have leverage, not when you need a lifeline.

Stop reading your slides. Tell a story. The deck is what they review after you leave — not a teleprompter.

$275K is nice. But the real value? Third-party validation that your technology works. Use it as a fundraising asset.

Opinions are free. Commitments cost something. The only customer feedback that matters is tied to their wallet.

Emily spent 8 years on the other side of the table. Now she helps TFG founders understand what VCs actually look for — and how to get to yes.

Nikki has backed 60+ startups. Her insight: IQ matters less than customer obsession. Are you listening more than you’re building?

Gregory knows biomedical manufacturing like few others. If you’re building hardware, deep tech, or anything that needs to scale physically — he’s your advisor.

Ex-VCs. Serial founders. Grant specialists. All free to NorCal tech founders. Apply now — link in bio.

That’s the series. 14 advisors who’ve seen it all — and want to help you build something that matters. Apply now — link in bio.

You’ve heard from the advisors. Now it’s your move. Apply for free 1:1 advising — link in bio.