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Mayank Bidawatka's🧵 How I Raised $4M in a Tough Market - Fundraising Playbook 1. Angel Strategy • Focus on people who know you and believe in your vision • Keep individual amounts low but target 10-15 angels • Choose angels who can add strategic value • I picked founder/VC friends I trusted - find what works for you 2. Smart Planning • Raise enough for 12+ months runway minimum • Announce your round - drives inbound VC interest • Prepare comprehensive deck covering: - Problem & solution - Market size & competition - Product roadmap & screens - Financial projections & unit economics - Team & execution plan 3. Investor Engagement • Start with warm intros to relevant funds • Talk to highest probability investors first • Focus on the person, not the fund brand • Avoid FOMO investors who care more about "who else" than product • Address questions thoroughly - written follow-ups are powerful 4. Round Structure • Start small (if targeting $3M, discuss $2M first) • Create flexible options for participation • Don't stress about dilution - optimize for everyone's success • Understand target ownership needs of different funds 5. Execution Tips • Split time: 50% fundraising, 50% product/company building • Close within 30-60 days max • Get clear commitments, use deadlines to break circular loops • Pre-empt next steps (diligence docs, legal work) • Keep building product momentum throughout 🔑 Key Learning: Your product is everything. Fundraising is crucial but temporary. Optimize for working with believers who get your vision and can help you build.