Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Had a chat with a big time VC the other day about a project, told “I’m not sure this is venture fundable”.

Things like this make me think just because I’m not willing to lie and sell the hype that the true sentiment here is “you’re not venture fundable”

Bootstrap life it is.




You are probably aiming for a high chance of a successful business? They don't want that. They want a low chance of a unicorn.

If anyone wants a wake up call of what normal investors (not VC) value typical companies at, watch the UK series Dragons Den, where they offer people 50,000 pounds for 33% of the company, and suchlike.


Oh I’m very aware. I’ve raised over $60m in my career to date. I wish the world was different, but it isn’t and you’re right, the math for them doesn’t work in other circumstances.

It’s hard trying to bootstrap but it’s depressing trying to run a venture business knowing how much you give up and how it actually reduces your chances of success. Someone recently referred to their past success as a lightening strike, it’s the perfect wording to me. It happens, it’s real, but you shouldn’t expect it too many times in your life.


I'm also in the UK, but I'm aware there's a US spin-off called Shark Tank that many here might be already/more familiar with. I've never seen it, but I assume it's similarly low valuation - what they would call 'mom and pop' businesses.


The truth is more likely that a single VC's opinion carries limited information and you'd need to both do more building and talk to more people in order to learn a more certain answer.

In fact, notice the words of the VC: "I'm not sure..."

Also, lying is bad.


I’m part of a venture-backed business today but recently told a friend that my next move would be to a non-VC tech business for the right opportunity.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: