Question 1

Why and when should you consult a fundraising expert?

Accepted Answer

Consulting a fundraising expert helps secure negotiations, avoid predatory dilution terms, and maximize chances of securing capital. On Sapiow, you connect 1:1 via private video with active venture capitalists, angel investors, and experienced founders. In 15 to 60 minutes, you receive unbiased, practical feedback to align your deck and strategy with investor expectations.

Question 2

How does a fundraising advisory session work on Sapiow?

Accepted Answer

Sapiow enables direct and instant booking for a 1:1 video consultation with the expert of your choice, with no middlemen or back-and-forth emails. During the call, you can ask targeted questions about your fundraising strategy, pitch narrative, or term sheet terms. Every call is private, encrypted, and completely confidential.

Question 3

How are consultation fees structured, and is split payment available?

Accepted Answer

Each expert sets their own fees transparently, which are displayed on their profile before booking. To ensure maximum flexibility while accessing top-tier advice, an optional 3x interest-free installment payment is available at checkout.

Question 4

At what stage of fundraising should you book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

Consultations are particularly impactful across two specific scenarios:

• During critical, time-sensitive milestones: stress-testing your pitch deck before meeting VCs, validating financial runway assumptions, or reviewing incoming term sheets before signing.
• During early exploration and strategic learning: demystifying the venture capital playbook, understanding investor decision frameworks, and learning how to navigate the startup ecosystem.

Question 5

What common mistakes derail early-stage fundraising rounds?

Accepted Answer

Venture rejections typically stem from unrealistic valuations, unproven customer acquisition economics, or fragile founder cap tables. Founders also frequently approach institutional investors prematurely, without first maximizing non-dilutive financing options such as innovation grants and public funding.

Question 6

How should founders plan and negotiate equity dilution?

Accepted Answer

Standard market dilution for a Seed round typically ranges between 15% and 25%. Surrendering higher equity early on significantly limits operational leverage for subsequent Series A rounds. Utilizing instruments like SAFEs or BSA AIR allows companies to raise funds efficiently while deferring valuation, provided that key mechanisms like discount rates and valuation caps are carefully set.

Consultation en Levée de fonds

Jérémy Blackwell

Cécile Eskenazi

Edouard Petit

Thomas Rebaud

Corentin Orsini

Frequently Asked Questions