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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.

Also, Antonia shared some additional thoughts below, which she hasn’t shared on the podcast.

🎧 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

Exclusive from Antonia

What is success for you?

Creating companies built to last, designed for sustainable growth vs. quick wins.

What books, podcasts, articles inspired you?

• Favorite book on building teams: 'Who' - the best guide to hiring the right people.

• Favorite article on scaling as a founder: 'Giving Away Your Legos'

• On nailing product-market fit: the 'Levels of PMF' framework

What’s one advice, founders should actually ignore?

Ignore the advice to talk to investors when you're not raising. When you're building, build with hyperfocus. When you're raising, raise with full focus. Don't do both at once at early stage.

What are habits, activities or rituals that kept you sane (while scaling your business)?

There's never a perfect time to take a break - you're always before, during, or after a round. But startups are built for the long run, and so are you. Build your business with hyperfocus, but also find tools that work for you to clear your mind, train your body, and stay close to the people you love.

What is one “growth hack” (be it business, health or personal-wise) that has a positive impact on you or the company?

There are no growth hacks. Clarity comes through action, don't overthink. Test, iterate, learn, and repeat.

What are low hanging fruits that you often see early stage founders miss?

Talking to customers. Early, often, and deeply.