Responses to many of the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that I get hit with.
If I referred you to this page and a specific question / topic, please do read it. It will help you save time when interacting with me, and help me address your concerns faster and better.
If you are looking to reach out to me you would do well to read through these questions and answers, or at least glance through them at the very least. You can also see this as a guide / user manual to interact with and get the best out of me. I realise this sounds pompous, and I can understand that reaction entirely. But, hey, I also wish this practice of setting out rules to interact was common place, so that we could reduce friction as far as possible in dealing with each other.
Please do note that given a high traffic inbox, it is not always possible to reply to every mail or message, especially one that demands more than 2-3 minutes to reply. See https://sriramk.com/coldemail for how to write an effective cold mail.
1. Reaching out to me for the first time
2. Why I struggle with requests for meetings, or requests for 15-min calls
3. Why I am unable to mentor / advise startups if you are not a portfolio co
4. Why I am unable to respond to requests for inputs on ideas / plans
5. Why I struggle with requests to ‘pick my brain’ on a startup idea
6. About LinkedIn connection requests
7. Requests for guidance, advice, calls for getting into venture capital
8. Blume’s investment criteria
11. Why we are unable to matchmake experts / consultants with our founders
12. Why venture capital isn't right for your startup
13. On ibankers repping startups for early stage fundraising