Fundamentals For Startups: 10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Take VC Funding

​About the Lecture:

​Is taking venture capital a “sign of success?” Dave’s answer would be absolutely not. In this session, entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor Dave Parker challenges one of the most persistent myths in the startup world: that raising venture capital is the ultimate badge of honor. With decades of experience on both sides of the table, Dave lays out ten compelling, real-world reasons why VC funding might not be the right path for your startup– and how it can actually derail your vision, autonomy, and long-term success.

​Speaker:

Dave Parker is a serial entrepreneur based in Seattle with global experience. With over 20 years of experience as a Managing Partner at DKParker, a consulting firm that helps companies launch their go-to-market strategies, designing business and revenue models, and pricing, Dave is an expert in scaling up to exit! He has been part of more than 20 transactions as founder, operator, board member, and advisor across various sectors and stages. He is also a published author of "Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market Fit," a book that guides early-stage founders on validating and refining their startup ideas.

​About Fundamentals for Startups:

Fundamentals for Startups is a weekly one-hour lecture series featuring notable experts who share startup-related information, experience, and insights with our entrepreneurial community. From raising capital to scaling to exit strategies, these seasoned guest speakers deliver valuable content designed to help startups and entrepreneurs thrive.

These lectures are open to the public and you do not have to be currently affiliated with the UW or a startup to join. Lunch is provided while supplies last. Advanced registration required. Please note, we are no longer livestreaming these sessions.

We hope you can join us!