I don't look for perfect pitch decks or the biggest TAM. After 150 investments, 6 unicorns and 15k pitches I look for something most VCs miss. Here's what actually matters When everyone else chases: - The next AI breakthrough - The latest crypto trend - The hottest market I look for: - Companies with real revenue - Products with clear value - Founders who can execute - Moats made with data - Clarity in founder leadership The best companies aren't the loudest. They're the most focused The strongest founders aren't only visionaries They're the executors After thousands of pitches, I've learned: Your growth doesn't impress me, Your retention does Your vision doesn't convince me, Your unit economics do Your market size doesn't excite me, Your customer love does Great companies aren't built on stories, They're built on substance To founders: Stop trying to impress VCs Start impressing customers That's how you'll impress me. #VentureCapital #StartupAdvice #Growth"
What’s one underrated trait in a founder that you think investors should pay more attention to?
What's the best way to pitch you to see if we are #151?
We built Ring for cars- shipped it to customers in nine countries. Want in Itamar Novick?
Itamar Novick this is great blueprint for startups but a founder could confuse this for high growth product based vs slow service based business. I have a few questions if you don't mind :) How do you handle customers that are extremely demanding and won't stop asking for specific things that aren't scalable? Specifically the ones who seemingly ruin your unit economics. Do you focus on silent majority or loud minority in terms of retention?
Insightful perspective! In today's funding landscape, where AI startups are raising billions with sky-high valuations, focusing on fundamentals like retention, unit economics, and real customer traction is what truly sets winners apart. Itamar Novick Given your experience, how do you assess the long-term sustainability of startups leveraging AI in regulated industries like healthcare or BFSI, where compliance and trust are critical moats?
Solid take. Hype comes and goes, but strong execution, real traction, and customer love always stand out.
Something else to consider: - The founder should know what type of investor they want - The VC and founder need to align on their goals/North Star - The relationship needs to build on trust to succeed - Both parties need to follow through with promises Love your insights Itamar Novick.
I was afraid you were going to say that you were looking for a “profitable business.” 😂
Agreed. There are many that would fit the thesis if Recursive Ventures also starts looking outside of silicon valley.
6 unicorns in 150 is not impressive... but given you start at rev gen companies... in that context I guess it is is fairly good... ever tried backing ideas as opposed to proven concepts? thats where the real returns lie.