Member Articles

The process of raising money for your business is tough, long, and filled with hearing “No.” It’s rarely pleasant. Common advice you hear says don’t take rejection personally, but as a fellow entrepreneur, I know this is close to impossible. Your business IS personal; it is a part of you. What I find helpful is setting realistic expectations and making sure that you check in with yourself often to see what is working and what is not. If you’ve pitched five venture firms and each has said no, think about their feedback and whether any of it makes sense to you. You need not react to every criticism you hear, but sometimes you can learn a lot from these meetings.

Have faith. In yourself, in your business, and in luck. Luck – which can mean good timing, coincidence, etc. – is a key component in any business success, including raising money. But the only way luck can work for you is if you’re persistent and ready to take advantage of it when it comes your way.