In this interview, venture capitalist Lisheng Wang, an early investor in Zoom, shares powerful lessons for early-stage startup founders on how to raise capital. Lisheng dives into what investors really look for in founders, emphasizing the importance of commitment, risk-taking, and a clear vision. Drawing from his experience backing successful companies like Zoom, he explains how the right approach to fundraising and choosing the right investors can make all the difference.
Lisheng also offers practical advice for immigrant founders, discussing how to overcome cultural barriers, leverage accelerators like Skydeck and Techstars, and build meaningful connections in Silicon Valley. If you’re looking to learn how to pitch your startup effectively, secure the right kind of investment, and scale your business, this interview is packed with invaluable insights from one of Silicon Valley’s top investors.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 How TSV Cap Invests in Early-Stage Startups: From Zoom to Ginkgo
05:24 What Makes a Fundable Founder: Risk-Taking, Vision, and Communication
12:10 Right Founder and Strategy Matter More Than Just a Product
17:12 How Immigrant Founders Can Adapt and Succeed in Silicon Valley: Mindset Matters
25:20 Smart Money: How the Right Investors Add More Than Just Capital
33:10 How Good Founders Bring the Best Deals: The Power of Founder Referrals
35:42 How Investment Committees Evaluate Startups
44:42 Startup Mentorship: Why Founders Need Advisors to Navigate Early-Stage Growth
54:26 From First Call to Investment: What VCs Expect from Founders