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How This Founder Raised $1 Billion: A Fundraising Playbook for Every Founder Raising capital isn’t just about money; it’s about survival. It’s ensuring your startup has the fuel it needs to build, scale, and outlast the competition. Yet, for many founders, fundraising feels like an uphill battle. - How do you convince investors to believe in your vision? - How do you navigate rejection and still come out stronger? - How do you raise millions, even billions, without losing control of your company? Brett Adcock, founder of Figure AI, has been through it all. He’s raised over $1 billion in funding across multiple companies, including: - Figure AI: Raised $70M Series A in 2023 - Archer Aviation: Raised $1B+ and went public at a $2.7B valuation - Vettery: Sold for $110M This isn’t luck; it’s strategy. It’s a system. Here’s how you can apply it to your own startup. The Fundraising Playbook: 5 Lessons for Every Founder 1. Fundraising Is a Skill Fundraising is about selling a vision so convincingly that capital follows. Investors bet on founders who can execute. Ask yourself: - Can I pitch my company in 60 seconds with clarity? - Do I understand what investors look for at my stage? - Am I treating fundraising as a top priority, not an afterthought? If not, it’s time to refine your pitch and approach. 2. Raise Before You Need It The worst position to be in is desperate for money. When you need capital urgently, you lose leverage and accept bad terms. Instead: - Build investor relationships months before you need capital. - Keep key investors updated on your progress. - Position your startup as a rocket ship they can’t afford to miss. 3. Investors Bet on Markets, Not Just Products A great product isn’t enough. Investors want massive market potential. Ask yourself: - Is my market large enough for a billion-dollar company? - Does my vision align with current industry trends? - Can I clearly explain why this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? If your market isn’t massive, your funding potential is limited. 4. Sell a Dream with Data Investors make decisions based on two things: - Your Vision: The dream you’re selling. - Your Execution: The traction you’ve achieved. If you’re pre-revenue, lean on vision, team strength, and market potential. If you have traction, back it up with undeniable data. Remember: Investors fund outcomes. Show them the outcome you’re building toward. 5. Rejection Is Part of the Process Even the best founders hear "no" often. The difference between those who raise and those who don’t? Persistence. Rejections mean: - Your pitch isn’t resonating. Adjust it. - You’re talking to the wrong investors. Find better ones. - Your traction isn’t convincing. Improve it. Every "no" brings you closer to the right "yes." The best founders use rejection as feedback, refine their approach, and keep pushing. Fundraising isn’t a one-and-done task; it’s an ongoing relationship-building effort.