Ep 86 - Finding the Right Backer in a Tough Market: Insights From a Veteran Investor, With Dr. Ronald Weissman

In this episode of Invisible Ink, veteran operator Dr. Ron Weissman joins Shubha Chakravarthy to challenge some of the most entrenched myths in early-stage fundraising. Drawing on decades as a VC, angel investor, board member, and former NeXT executive who worked closely with Steve Jobs, Ron explains why startups fail.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

1. Why some founders immediately feel investable—even before the deck comes up
2. The question investors are really trying to answer in the first few minutes
3. What years of looking at deals teaches investors that pitch contests never do
4. Why getting a fast yes from an investor can be more dangerous than a slow no
5. The part of diligence most founders don’t realize they’re being evaluated on
6. What investors listen for when founders describe their market—not their product
7. How investors tell the difference between a strong pitch and a strong business
8. When a funding path helps you—and when it starts working against you
9. The moment investors decide whether they want to work with you long-term
10. What a founder’s roadmap reveals that no slide ever says out loud
11. How deal structure shapes the relationship long before anything goes wrong
12. The shift in thinking investors expect from founders aiming to build category leaders

and much more!