Early-Stage Funding: What Investors Really Look For

Learn what early-stage investors truly look for in founders, traction, and strategy — with insights & live Q&A from active VCs.

Ready to go beyond the basics of fundraising and understand what really matters to early-stage investors?

This interactive discussion and Q&A is designed for founders who are preparing to raise their first round or want to sharpen their fundraising strategy with insights from active early investors.

Join us for a candid session with experienced VCs and founder-investors who will demystify the strategic side of early-stage investment — what signals make investors lean in, what mistakes turn them off, and how founders can position themselves with confidence.

🎙️ With:
• Patricia Falagan de la Sierra, Investor at Calm/Storm – Early-stage VC with expertise in tech innovation and scaling startups across Europe
• Gerald Pollak, Principal at 3VC – Founder & investor with expertise in B2B software, AI, Automation, Data Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Developer Tools

🔍 What We’ll Cover:
✔ How to know if your startup is actually ready to raise
✔ Strategic milestones, traction signals, and metrics investors care about
✔ Common pitfalls that early founders stumble into
✔ How to build credible relationships with investors before you pitch
✔ Real founder-investor scenarios, insights, and actionable takeaways

✨ Expect a highly interactive format with time for your questions and live answers from the panel.

🎯 Whether you’re prepping to raise your first round, revisiting your strategy, or just curious how investor thinking works — this session will equip you with the mindset and know-how to fundraise with clarity and impact.