Fred Wilson: Saying No

http://avc.blogs.com/a_vc/2007/10/saying-no.html

by charzom • 19 years ago

34 14 19 years ago

avc.blogs.com

jkush2• 19 years ago

He's right. If you are in a position that requires you to say no a lot, you should learn to do it quickly and honestly. It probably helps him keep his sanity, and shoot-the-messenger type entrepreneurs aside, probably makes his relationships less messy.

Jaggu• 19 years ago

Totally agree. It is always good to tell the truth so that person on another side stops guessing the reason.

We got rejected by YC and I am just guessing the reasons. Thinking that all founder aren't ready to move to SV for three months and also few are not ready to leave their full time job...etc... but still it is just guessing game... hey could you tell PG to tell everyone about reason for rejection ;)

Few people might not able to digest the reason..but all are not same...many can take that as a advise and that could help in future..

jkush2• 19 years ago

YC can't and shouldn't provide reasons why. They've already said as much. In their case, it's different from Fred Wilson. YC has to say no just twice a year. For Fred Wilson and any other VC, it's an ongoing thing. There's a difference.

dpapathanasiou2• 19 years ago

The YC approach to "no" is easier when your only point of contact is a web form anyone can fill out and submit.

Most VCs (and I've never met Wilson, but I'm guessing this applies to him) meet people in person, because they've gotten introduced or referred by someone in their network.

So in that context, it's tougher to reject people without providing more details.

edw519• 19 years ago

What does it cost you to ask? Building a business upon guesses is like building a house upon sand. Find out and turn those guesses into data.

gscott2• 19 years ago

That is why you build a prototype, put it out there and get people to tell you what they think.

alaskamiller• 19 years ago

Sometimes even with the cards right and the stars aligned, people just don't plain like you.

Tichy• 19 years ago

So how do you get VCs to seek you out, instead of the other way round?

gscott2• 19 years ago

I went ahead and sent them an email, this vc firm gives you a reason when they say no. Fred Wilson seems to be a polite and down to earth guy just to take a random email from someone he doesn't know and give it some thrift.

Fred Wilson: Saying No

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