She has built one of the most globally diverse investment portfolios in the early stage space — 26 companies across six countries focused on wellness, sustainability, education, and the future of work. Erika Aquino backs the founders other people overlook and she has a very clear point of view on what separates the ones who last from the ones who don't. From what actually happens in a first pitch to why most founders are preparing for the wrong things — this is the conversation every founder needs to hear before they ever ask for a check.
In this episode, we cover:

What investors are actually evaluating before you even finish your first sentence
• Why early stage investors bet on the founder more than the company — and what that really means for your pitch
• The question Erika asks every founder that most of them can't answer
• What founders focus on in pitches that investors genuinely don't care about
• How to build a real relationship with an investor before you ever ask for money
• The difference between founders who make it to Series A and the ones who don't
• What AI can and cannot replace in the investment process
• Why self-awareness is the most underrated quality in a founder

Tune in to hear what a global angel investor who has seen it all actually looks for — and what she wishes every founder knew before walking into the room.

To learn more about Erika Aquino:
https://www.instagram.com/iamerikaaquino

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