The document outlines the experiences and lessons learned by a co-founder of ShopLocket, primarily focusing on venture funding and entrepreneurship. Key takeaways include the importance of growth, the implications of raising venture capital, and the nuances of investor relationships. Additionally, it emphasizes practical advice for entrepreneurs, such as maintaining financial transparency and the significance of personal networks.

1. Co-Founder of ShopLocket
Raised $1M+, Angel / VC
Sold in 2014 to PCH
Founder of Female Funders
Founded Angel School
Author of O’Reilly’s Funded
6 Time Angel Investor

2. #25 LESSONS
LEARNED

3. VENTURE FUNDING IS
NOT SUCCESS.#1

4. GROWTH HAPPENS ONE
CUSTOMER AT A TIME.#2

5. RAISING VC MEANS YOU
HAVE A BOSS.#3

6. YOU’LL GIVE UP 10 - 30% EACH
ROUND NO MATTER HOW MUCH
YOU RAISE.
#4

7. IF YOU’RE NON-TECHNICAL
YOU DON’T NEED TO STAY THAT WAY.#5

8. FOUNDER VESTING AGREEMENTS
REALLY MATTER.#6

9. KEEP CLEAN MONTHLY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.#7

10. EVERYONE MUST SIGN
AN IP ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT.#8

11. A HIGHER VALUATION IS
NOT ALWAYS BETTER.#9

12. DO YOUR OWN MEDIA.#10

13. EARLY STAGE FUNDING
IS ALL ABOUT OPTICS.#11

14. WORK THE BACKCHANNEL#12

15. ALWAYS STAY FOR
THE AFTER PARTY.#13

16. CANADIAN INVESTORS
IDOLIZE US INVESTORS.#14

17. IF ITS NOT A YES, ITS A NO.#15

18. LATER STAGE FUNDING IS HARD.
GET PROFITABLE.#16

19. HIGHER PRICES,
HIGHER REVENUE.#17

20. THE VALLEY WILL CHANGE YOU.
GET ON A PLANE.#18

21. IF YOU’RE IN HARDWARE,
GO TO SHENZHEN.#19

22. CROWDFUNDING IS A SCIENCE#20
hackathon.pchintl.com/launch-academy

23. THERE ARE NO MAGIC BULLETS.
(NOT EVEN YC)#21

24. THE PEOPLE BESIDE YOU TODAY
ARE YOUR “COHORT”.#22

25. PUTTING YOURSELF OUT
THERE WILL PAY OFF.#23

26. “BALANCE” IS LOST GRADUALLY.#24

27. BE A COCKROACH.#25

28. katherine@femalefunders.com
@KatherineHague