◈ Fundraising
Fundraising is a Capital-phase founder capability in the SKILLOS registry (category: original). Cross-references: 4 frameworks, 4 key metrics, 5 templates, 2 case studies, 3 mastery signals. Substrate applicability: 197 countries × 60 verticals × 99 SKILLOS sectors.
🔧 Frameworks
- Sequoia/YC 10-Slide Hybrid Structure
- VC Decision Psychology (cash-on-cash vs. IRR)
- Warm Intro Hierarchy
- SAFE / Priced Round Selection
📊 Key Metrics
- VCs prefer cash-on-cash multiples (63%) and IRR (42%)
- Target 12–18 month fundraise runway
- First-meeting-to-term-sheet conversion >20%
- Lead/follow investor ratio
📋 Templates
- 10-slide pitch deck template
- Investor CRM tracker
- Data room checklist
- Investor update email template
- SAFE term sheet explainer
💡 Case Studies
Brian Armstrong applied to YC W2012 with a working bitcoin wallet — a live demo replaced a pitch deck and secured admission
Raised a $30M Series C in 2017 despite a crowded market; investors backed the unit economics — Zoom reached $1B ARR within 3 years
Outreach hierarchy: warm intro from portfolio founder > warm intro from LP > cold email with social proof > cold email without. Spend 80% of your time on the first two.
🎯 You've mastered this when…
- Term sheet in <6 weeks of active fundraising
- Multiple competing term sheets
- Investors asking for pro-rata rights
Related skills in the Capital phase
Frequently asked about Fundraising
What phase of the founder journey does Fundraising belong to?
It is a Capital-phase skill in the SKILLOS registry. The seven phases are Foundation, Discovery, Capital, Build, Growth, Revenue, and Scale.
What are the most useful frameworks for Fundraising?
The four canonical frameworks are: Sequoia/YC 10-Slide Hybrid Structure; VC Decision Psychology (cash-on-cash vs. IRR); Warm Intro Hierarchy; SAFE / Priced Round Selection.
How do I know when I have mastered Fundraising?
Mastery signals include: Term sheet in <6 weeks of active fundraising; Multiple competing term sheets; Investors asking for pro-rata rights.
Which sectors does this skill apply to?
All 99 SKILLOS sectors — from AI & Machine Learning to Emerging Consumer Technology. The skill applies across every vertical in AJG's substrate of 197 countries and 60 commerce verticals.