Russ Heddleston

Russ Heddleston Contributor Share on X Russ Heddleston is co-founder and former CEO of DocSend at Dropbox. More posts by this contributor A blueprint for founders navigating economic uncertainty Early-stage founders still have currency: Fundraising in times of greater VC scrutiny

Russ Heddleston is co-founder and former CEO of DocSend at Dropbox.

The Latest from Russ Heddleston

A blueprint for founders navigating economic uncertainty

Founding a company during economic uncertainty and excelling takes more than just a hungry founder with a good idea.

Early-stage founders still have currency: Fundraising in times of greater VC scrutiny

Founders may be discouraged in this environment, but they need to remember that they have "currency," too.

Start up solo or bring on a co-founder? 4 factors to consider

While the data show solo founders raise more funding, a holistic approach to understanding your gaps and how to fill them is imperative.

Essential steps to thriving and surviving while fundraising

While not every fundraise is the same, founders can tap the experience of others who have been down this path to ensure their fundraising efforts are efficient and successful.

Pre-seed round funding is under scrutiny: Is VC pandemic posturing here to stay?

In 2020, investors became laser-focused on sections of the pitch deck that address monetization and business viability — signs that founders need to present better-defined businesses to succeed.

What to expect while fundraising in 2021

These predictions center around how we’ll fundraise post-pandemic, how the funding divide may widen for some, what fundraising activity could look like and sectors we think will fare well.

What Q2 fundraising data tells us about the rest of 2020

If the current level of interest represents the new normal for VCs, we expect it to only increase as we enter the fall.

Q3 2020 is primed to be an intense shopping season for VCs

Founders are in a great position to fundraise right now. VCs are ready to deploy capital and are activity searching for businesses to invest in. Time to make the most of it.

The fundraising marketplace has stabilized. Or has it?

While VC interest took a dive in March, the last two weeks have shown unseasonably high interest.

What the last 2 months of fundraising tells us about the future

There is just as much capital ready to deploy, and just as much investor interest, as there was earlier this year, but founders are still adjusting to new market conditions.

When is it time to stop fundraising?

There are times when, no matter how hard you try, you’re just not going to be able to close a deal.

Now might be the perfect time to rethink your fundraising approach

While there has been a drop in interest so far, there is still a lot of activity and VCs seem to still be reading pitch decks.

What to expect when pitching European VCs

Fundraising is the single most important thing you can do for your business, but I know very few founders who enjoy the process.

First mover advantage: Does it matter in startup fundraising?

We know the world of startup funding is competitive. I’ve analyzed how founders can optimize their pitch decks and the best times of year for fundraising to get the most attention from investors.

Data says there are only two seasons for fundraising and one secret window

One of the top things that keeps a startup CEO up at night is the worry of running out of money. As a second-time founder, I consider raising money and keeping my startup sufficiently funded a primary

When is the right time to pitch VCs for funding?

 A compelling pitch deck that quickly and clearly presents your startup as an exceptional investment opportunity is a clear edge when raising a round. But could fundraising be more effective if you..

Data tells us that investors love a good story

Here's how pitch decks are successfully bringing in funding today, according to DocSend.

Pitching your product will kill your fundraising

Hint: investors want to know why you are the team to build your product now, and more data from DocSend.