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Dear hustlers, founders, operators and visionaries,

Fundraising often feels like a black box, especially for first-time founders. But what if the key to unlocking investor interest wasn’t in your deck, but in your why?

In this live conversation with our friends at Swisspreneur, Melanie sits down with Antonia Albert, Principal at Founderful, who brings a rare dual perspective: former founder turned VC. Together, they break down the human side of venture capital: what really drives investment decisions, how to stand out without selling out, and why choosing your co-founders and investors wisely can shape the entire trajectory of your business.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify and share your thoughts! Who should be our next guest?

In the meantime: Follow the Gradient and stay tuned!

🫶🏼 Melanie & Christian

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How to close an early stage round

What you will get out of this episode

In our conversation, Antonia shares:

• How to make VCs care about your startup - even if you're a first-time founder

• How to build a fundraising process that plays to your strengths and creates momentum

• Why the best startups don’t just solve problems - they’re led by founders obsessed with solving them

• How to navigate rejection, stay resilient, and know when to pivot your approach

• And much more!

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Our main take away’s

1. The best investors back people, not just products: At Founderful, Antonia emphasizes that the “why” behind a founder’s startup journey is critical. VCs invest in people who are obsessively committed, who choose the long road, and who are willing to weather the inevitable setbacks of building something meaningful.

2. Execution always beats ideas: While ideas are a dime a dozen, VCs look for how teams execute. They’re paying attention to how fast you move, how well you iterate, and how clearly you communicate—especially under pressure.

3. Fundraising is a structured, full-time process: The most successful founders treat fundraising as both art and science. They prepare obsessively, run tight processes, create energy and FOMO, and—crucially—build relationships over time. It’s not about luck; it’s about process.

4. The founder journey is lonely - don’t go it alone: Beyond tactics, Antonia gets real about the emotional side of entrepreneurship. It’s lonely, often glorified, and filled with unseen pressure. Her advice? Choose your co-founders carefully, surround yourself with trusted allies, and be honest about what you need - because no one scales alone.

How to reach out to Antonia

• LinkedIn

• Founderful