eChai SF: Fund Raising for Startups - VCs Panel
Raising capital is one of the most crucial — and often misunderstood — parts of the startup journey. Founders face questions every day: What do VCs look for? How should you structure your pitch? When is the right time to raise, and how much is too much?
At this eChai session, we’ll flip the perspective and explore fundraising through the lens of venture capitalists and ecosystem leaders. This is not just theory—it’s a chance to understand the inside playbook, straight from those who see hundreds of startups and deals each year.
🎙 Featured Speakers
🔹 Sarthak Singh — Vice President, Accel
Sarthak brings years of experience from one of the most respected VC firms globally. At Accel, he partners with founders across early and growth stages, helping them navigate everything from seed to scale. He’ll share how Accel evaluates opportunities, the common mistakes founders make, and what separates a compelling pitch from the rest.
🔹 Fady Barsoum — Baird Augustine
As a key voice in bridging startups with local and international ecosystems, Fady focuses on enabling founders to access resources, capital, and partnerships. He brings a broader economic and ecosystem lens, helping entrepreneurs understand how macro trends, policy, and global shifts shape investor decisions and startup opportunities.
🔹 Jaya Gupta — Foundation Capital
Jaya invests at the intersection of disruptive ideas and transformative markets. At Foundation Capital, she has worked with founders building across SaaS, AI, and consumer platforms. She will dive into how early-stage investors evaluate founder–market fit, why storytelling is critical in fundraising, and how founders can think about building long-term, venture-scale companies.
💡 What You’ll Learn
How VCs assess founder–market fit, timing, and scale potential.
The nuances of fundraising in today’s climate—what has changed and what hasn’t.
How ecosystem partnerships and macro trends influence startup success.
Practical tips for crafting pitches and investor updates that resonate.
🌐 Why Attend?
This event is designed for:
Founders raising or planning to raise capital.
Operators & builders curious about what VCs look for.
Students & aspiring entrepreneurs who want to peek behind the curtain of venture investing.
Beyond insights, you’ll connect with fellow founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders in a candid, interactive session.