My Approach
The principles I use to think about early-stage companies and investing.
Founders first
At the earliest stages, the team is most of what there is to judge. I look for founders who know their problem deeply, communicate it clearly, and keep learning.
Evidence over projections
I give more weight to what a company has shown, such as customers who paid and users who returned, than to what a spreadsheet says will happen.
Clear, fair structure
Terms should be simple enough to explain and fair enough that founders and investors both stay motivated through the hard years.
Honesty about uncertainty
Early-stage investing involves a real risk of losing everything. I try to say what I do not know, and I write down my reasoning so I can learn from it, whether I turn out right or wrong.
Patience
Venture outcomes take years. I would rather build knowledge and relationships steadily than chase a quick result.