Deb Kemper is a managing partner of Golden Seeds Ventures, a firm that backs early-stage, women-led companies.

She joined me on the podcast to talk about how founders can build networks with investors outside of Silicon Valley and the challenges facing those who are looking for follow-on funding these days. We also discussed some of the criteria investors use to assess the strengths of teams and their ideas.

For founders and teams starting up outside major tech hubs, Deb provided practical advice for building networks with investors and generating positive attention. We also talked about Golden Seeds’ assessment and due diligence process and what she looks for in a pitch.

“If I go to a networking event and someone can't tell me in 60 seconds what they do — or even less — I'm done,” said Deb.

“They just want to talk to you and tell you everything about their company. And I walk away saying, “I still don't know what they do.’”

Episode breakdown

How Golden Seeds Ventures works with Golden Seeds Angel Network
“You have to be really solving a customer problem in a way that we see is unique.”
Strategies for fundraising, extending runway + adapting to the current investment climate
Founders/companies that might benefit more from funding methods besides traditional VC
Why finding a co-founder is more about serendipity than process
How Golden Seeds gauges a team’s domain expertise/understanding of market needs
Deb talks about the need for products to solve substantial problems and not just be quick fixes
Common pitfalls for founders, especially around financial management and market positioning
“I don't think that's of any use to have a rubber stamp board.”
Deb’s perspective on the current state of AI investments and the potential for startups outside major tech hubs