Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:22:07 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2460948 en-us © 2026 The Capital Maze yes 7ae6b32d-922f-5730-825b-090994d4d139 Sarah episodic false The Capital Maze Podcast is your go to resource for navigating the world of venture capital. We sit down with top investors to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes, break down the fundraising process, and equip founders with the knowledge they need to succeed. Each episode dives deep into how investors evaluate startups, fundraising strategies that work, insights on venture capital trends, and valuable resources to help founders secure funding. Our mission is to level the playing field between founders and funders by providing transparency, education, and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this podcast will give you the edge in the competitive world of startup funding. Subscribe now to start mastering the capital maze. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Sarah https://storage.buzzsprout.com/g3151kau1ehs30uw65nozbtvrau8?.jpg Before the Check: How Investors Evaluate Founders  In this episode of The Capital Maze, Sarah sits down with Alex, a seasoned venture capitalist, to unpack the fundraising journey from the investor’s perspective. Whether you're bootstrapping your startup, navigating angel investments, or preparing for a VC pitch, this candid conversation dives into the nuances of timing, due diligence, convertible notes vs. SAFEs, and what truly sets fundable founders apart. Alex shares actionable insights on how VCs evaluate early-stage startups, what red flags they look for, and how founders can turn a "no" into long-term opportunity. Essential listening for any entrepreneur stepping into the world of venture funding. 

]]>  In this episode of The Capital Maze, Sarah sits down with Alex, a seasoned venture capitalist, to unpack the fundraising journey from the investor’s perspective. Whether you're bootstrapping your startup, navigating angel investments, or preparing for a VC pitch, this candid conversation dives into the nuances of timing, due diligence, convertible notes vs. SAFEs, and what truly sets fundable founders apart. Alex shares actionable insights on how VCs evaluate early-stage startups, what red flags they look for, and how founders can turn a "no" into long-term opportunity. Essential listening for any entrepreneur stepping into the world of venture funding. 

]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-17217382 Fri, 23 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400 3945 1 2 full false Your First Step in The Capital Maze  In the debut episode of *The Capital Maze*, hosts Sarah Porter, CEO and founder of MedDefend, and Alex Chompff, investor at Minerva Fund and Evolution Ventures, dive deep into the world of early-stage investing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. Sarah and Alex discuss how to secure your first check, offering expert advice on pitching, networking, and identifying the right investors. They break down the essential steps to starting a successful startup, from ideation to execution. The duo also explores what it takes to become a venture capitalist and the skills needed to thrive in the competitive world of investing. Additionally, they provide a clear breakdown of the fundraising stages, explaining seed funding, Series A, and beyond. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise capital or someone interested in becoming a VC, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of the capital maze. Tune in to get practical advice and gain a better understanding of the early-stage investment landscape! 

]]>  In the debut episode of *The Capital Maze*, hosts Sarah Porter, CEO and founder of MedDefend, and Alex Chompff, investor at Minerva Fund and Evolution Ventures, dive deep into the world of early-stage investing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. Sarah and Alex discuss how to secure your first check, offering expert advice on pitching, networking, and identifying the right investors. They break down the essential steps to starting a successful startup, from ideation to execution. The duo also explores what it takes to become a venture capitalist and the skills needed to thrive in the competitive world of investing. Additionally, they provide a clear breakdown of the fundraising stages, explaining seed funding, Series A, and beyond. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to raise capital or someone interested in becoming a VC, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of the capital maze. Tune in to get practical advice and gain a better understanding of the early-stage investment landscape! 

]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-16901054 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0400 3057 1 1 full false