Hey followers! Let’s dive into the intriguing world where venture capitalists (VCs) sometimes go MIA on founders.

Being ghosted is a tough pill to swallow, especially when you’re a founder trying to secure funding. It’s akin to a bad dating experience, leaving you asking, ‘What went wrong?’ Did I make a misstep, or did they simply lose interest?

Ghosting usually indicates a lack of interest from the VC. If they were keen, you’d expect a response, whether it’s a call back or a follow-up email.

Many reasons can lead to a VC going silent after an initial interest. For instance, time is their ultimate luxury. As Mercedes Bent from Lightspeed Venture Partners highlights, the increasingly fast-paced nature of VC means some startups just don’t get the attention they deserve.

A VCs’ busy schedule doesn’t always allow for the courtesy of a rejection note. With the growing number of capital influxes and pitches, personal touch has diminished, creating a rather transactional culture.

Then there’s the issue of too many messages flooding their inboxes. Some VCs, like Eric Bahn of Hustle Fund, utilize automated replies to manage the overwhelming influx of pitches.

Another point of concern is one-off red flags during pitches, which might make VCs think twice. For example, if a startup presents an overly optimistic vision without solid evidence, it often raises eyebrows.

Unsurprisingly, dishonesty can shut conversations down before they even begin. Founders should maintain transparency and avoid exaggerating their capabilities or market position.

Throughout the entire process, respectful and self-aware communication can set founders apart. Founders should remember that today’s ‘no’ doesn’t have to mean a forever ‘no.’ Respecting VCs, even when turned down, could leave the door open for future opportunities.

In the end, the key takeaway is simple: treat VCs how you’d like to be treated. The tech world is small, and today’s rejection may turn into tomorrow’s collaboration.