Ask HN: What's your advice for someone who's raising capital for the first time?
1. First figure out plan B - what happens if you are not able to raise funding in the next 6 months.<p>2. Assume a position of power - you will make this company big even without funding because plan B is in place.<p>3. Talk to investors from this position. You are smarter than them. You know more about this business. You don't need this particular investor to invest because others have already signed up.<p>4. Treat investors like shit. Dont look too eager to setup meetings. Schedule meetings a week out atleast. When you drop into a meeting do NOT spend more than half an hour to 45 minutes. Do NOT answer all questions for investors - be selective about information you disclose - push answers to next meeting - make yourself scarce.<p>5. Do bullshit padding around your entire story. If something doesnt sound too good dont disclose that information. Make up stuff to make things look good.<p>There are people who will find the points above ethically questionable. These people most likely dont know what it takes to raise money.