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Build ModeAuthor: TechCrunch
On Build Mode, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield Editor Isabelle Johannessen cuts through the startup mythology to uncover how founders survive the brutal early days, navigate impossible funding landscapes, and somehow keep their companies and sanity intact. Each season, Isabelle is joined by founders, investors, and operators to dig into specific aspects of the startup journey, from creative go to market strategies to founder mental health. The interviews are full of candid startup wisdomthink cap table drama, co-founder breakups, and pivot panic. So, if youre starting a company or or even just thinking about it, this is your survival guide. Language: en Genres: News, Tech News, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Build Mode Bonus: Inside the VC Decision-Making Process with True Ventures' Puneet Agarwal
Friday, 9 October, 2026
Venture capital is more concentrated than ever, making it increasingly difficult for early-stage founders to land their first check. So what does it actually take to stand out to investors? In this special bonus episode of Build Mode, host Isabelle Johannesen sits down with Puneet Agarwal, managing partner at True Ventures, to discuss what VCs are really looking for in 2026. True Ventures has backed companies including Fitbit, Peloton, and Duo Security, and evaluates thousands of startups each year while writing roughly 20 checks. Puneet breaks down what makes founders stand out, how to get in front of investors without an established Silicon Valley network, and the biggest mistakes founders make during fundraising. Recorded as part of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield masterclass series, the conversation also covers due diligence, term sheets, valuations, and why raising more money isn't always better.
