I get a fair number of requests for inputs or feedback on ideas or MVPs or product roadmaps. I understand that as a founder you would like to get a reaction / view on something you are building / planning to build. I do want to help, but it is tough for me to take time out for each of these requests. If I did, that would easily take up over half a day a week!

Given the stage of funding we operate in (We typically invest $2-3m for 15-20% stake quantum. More details about our investment criteria at https://blume.vc/#pitch-us) as well as the above time constraints, it is best to structure our discussions around the funding proposal. So if you send a proposal for funding or pitch deck (and make sure you are nearing the investment criteria i shared above) I will be happy to take a look at get back.

In general, my request is that please don’t give too much credence to my, or in general, any VC’s views on anything other than funding prospects. Most of us (other than very senior VCs, or say those with experience in your industry) have limited understanding of businesses in your sector, as well as your personal context, and thus these discussions may end up with founders getting views based on our limited understanding which may or may not be appropriate for the business at this super-early stage.

Just as it is best to get customer feedback by seeing how they do vs what they say (hence the MVP), it is best to get VC feedback through a funding pitch ('do') than by asking to pick their brain ('say').

P.S: On the topic of ideas, and pitching VCs or investors about ideas, this is a useful read for why VCs / investors in general don't get too excited about ideas:)

https://fs.blog/knowledge-project/derek-sivers/