Build, Thrive and Exit: Smart Strategies for Entrepreneurs & Investors

The only newsletter trusted to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors.

Dear Reader,

Every entrepreneur and investor needs an edge. Whether you're navigating funding rounds, optimising exits, or building the right team, this week's insights cut straight to what matters. Let’s dive in!

Weekly Spotlight

Is Your Funding a Bridge or a Pier?

A bridge gets you to a term sheet, a major contract, an exit, or cash flow positivity. A pier? That’s a dead end—off the edge into shark-infested waters. Investors don’t fund piers. Don’t let it happen to you. Watch the video.

VC Perspective

Don’t Be Average—Be Exceptional

Dr. Peter Mitchell and I from Future Planet Capital recently taught a short course on the essentials of venture capital at the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) Foundation course (intro video). One of the key takeaways? Put 'Exit' on the Board Agenda!

Exits don’t just happen—they’re designed. By adding ‘Exit’ as a recurring board agenda item (every six months), you:

✅ Keep investors aligned.
✅ Position your company for potential buyers early.
✅ Avoid last-minute surprises that kill deals.

Is exit planning already part of your board discussions? Let me know in the comments. Watch a snippet from the course here

P.s. if you’re average in VC, you’re losing money. Hence, be exceptional!

The Benefits of Deal-by-Deal Investing

Great article by Patrick Ryan in Sifted on why deal-by-deal investing can be a game-changer. The biggest benefit? Carry on each deal rather than waiting 10-12 years for a full fund exit. This model allows emerging GPs to build real track records rather than spending years fundraising for a fund that may never land.

The downside? No fees to pay salaries, so it's often a side gig for a long time before it pays off. For entrepreneurs, it means there’s more capital available—because cash is king. Platforms like Odin are making this approach more accessible. Thoughts? Read more here

Entrepreneur Corner

It’s Lonely at the Top

Startup CEOs carry the weight of the company on their shoulders. Don’t go it alone.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Find a peer CEO as a sounding board.
🎯 Get a coach—top athletes do.
⚖️ Seek advice from investors, advisors & mentors.

If you’re stuck, ask Katy Tuncer from Horizon37 for help. Come to the library session here.

Startups Are People Businesses

When you look after the people, the businesses look after themselves. Culture, leadership, and teamwork define long-term success. Prioritise them. Come join me in an armchair and let’s chat.

Take the Money! 💰

Fundraising isn’t the goal—it’s a means to an end. The real objective? Get cash, bring in the right investors, and optimise valuation. Execution speed wins. Take the money. Build. Grow. Watch the video

Nobody Likes to Be Sold

If you’re fundraising, stop selling—start having genuine conversations. The best pitches feel like discussions about something exciting and inevitable. Investors don’t buy pressure; they buy vision. Watch here

Keep Your Pitch Simple

Focus on the essentials: Problem, Solution, TAM, Traction, Team, USP, Competition. Too many investors leave a pitch still confused about what the startup does. Don’t let that happen to you. Learn why

Common Ground / Industry Trends

The Remote Work Debate Isn’t Over

Still questioning the productivity benefits of WFH? Consider the trade-offs:
🚀 Fewer distractions, no wasted commute, lower costs.
🏠 Happier, healthier, more productive employees.
📉 Less costly churn for companies.

Why argue against it? The FT admits WFH is here to stay. Read more

🚨 US Abolishing Carried Interest Tax Relief?! 🚨

Big news for investors—there’s a renewed push to repeal carried interest tax relief in the US. Could this stifle startup funding? Read more

Angry Farmers in Tractors Overrun London—Lessons for Entrepreneurs

New inheritance tax rules could force farmers to sell land just to pay the bill. Sound familiar? Entrepreneurs face similar risks when exit taxes hit. Plan ahead. Own your future. It’s quite a sight!🚜

Ask Alex

This week’s question: "How to play an investor meeting?"

Tip: Have two co-founders in the room and a Chair. Rehearse who says what. Investors will look at the dynamic—are you aligned? Do you respect each other? Work well together? Most entrepreneurs overlook this. Watch the video

Want your question featured? Reply to this email or reach out on LinkedIn or TikTok!

Closing Thoughts

Whether you're building a startup, investing, or planning your next move, the key is momentum. Small, smart decisions compound over time—so keep learning, keep executing, and keep growing. If this newsletter gave you a fresh perspective, share it with someone who needs it!

Best,
Alex

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