Venture capitalists face the challenge of selling themselves as trustworthy partners to founders and worthwhile investments to limited partners. Leslie Feinzaig of Graham & Walker and Ross Fubini of XYZ Ventures shared their experiences raising their first funds, emphasizing the importance of personal connections, firm values, and favorable terms in partnerships. In a shifting market where founders have more power, choosing the right VC becomes crucial for mutual success.

Feinzaig and Fubini offer practical advice for VCs and founders alike, emphasizing the value of authentic relationships and execution in attracting the right people to work with. As the dynamics of fundraising evolve, strategies such as pitch decks and cold emails may lose some power, but the focus remains on building strong connections and delivering results. New episodes of Build Mode explore these dynamics, providing insights into the evolving landscape of venture capital fundraising.