@faytey7
After working closely with early-stage founders over the past year, one thing keeps coming up for me:
Most startups don’t struggle with funding because they’re too early.
They struggle because they’re not investable yet.
A few patterns I’ve consistently seen:
Early traction looks different from what people expect.
It’s not always users or revenue. Sometimes it’s consistency, shipping velocity, or how a team responds to feedback.
Many teams pitch ideas, not businesses.
The founders who stand out can clearly articulate the problem, the opportunity, and their long-term intent.
Closing the gap between “building” and “investable” isn’t about chasing capital.
It’s about honest feedback, the right support, and early alignment.
That’s the space I’ve been spending more time in — quietly, intentionally.
Curious to hear from others working with early-stage teams:
What do you think most founders underestimate at the beginning?
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