VC Voices: Aboudi Al-Qattan, Principal, DASH Ventures

Unlocking the Secrets to First-Round Funding Success

I've always believed that raising your first round of funding is as much about storytelling as it is about numbers, and this insightful piece from Aboudi Al-Qattan at DASH Ventures reinforces that perfectly. He breaks it down into three essentials: first, honestly assess if your startup truly needs venture capital or if bootstrapping makes more sense. It's a wake-up call for founders chasing the hype without a clear path to scale.

What Investors Really Want in Early-Stage Founders

Al-Qattan emphasizes two must-haves: genuine founder-market fit, where you've lived the problem you're solving, and a massive, realistic market opportunity that promises real returns. No vague total addressable markets here—just tangible upside that excites backers. Drawing from his experiences, he shares what makes a pitch shine: doing your homework on the VC, knowing your key metrics inside out, and striking that balance between humility and conviction. It's refreshing to hear how even a stumble on numbers can leave a lasting impression.

Turning Rejections into Future Wins

Handling a 'no' gracefully? Al-Qattan advises treating it as 'not now' and nurturing relationships with thoughtful updates—quarterly wins, challenges, and why they're the right partner later. And looking ahead, he's bullish on B2B infrastructure in emerging markets, where startups fill gaps left by outdated systems, building lasting value over fleeting trends.

This advice cuts through the noise, offering actionable steps for founders aiming to stand out. I encourage you to read the full article and apply these gems to your own journey.