Never Go it Alone: Startup Insights

At Silicon Valley Bank, we are committed to helping next-gen entrepreneurs get through the ups and downs of building a startup. To help you, we’ve compiled advice from founders, VCs, and advisors to help you navigate fundraising and operate more efficiently.

PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Taking a startup from idea to market takes vision and staying power. Be prepared for bumps on the road. “I think a real entrepreneur is defined not by the successes they have; it’s by how they face obstacles and challenges,” on the path to growth, advises ViewFind Founder and CEO Zheng Yu Huang. Here’s advice from startup founders and venture banking experts on financing startup growth and maximizing growth.

Finding Venture Capital: Why Fit Matters More than Money

We talked to founders and investors about why fit matters when finding venture capital. Here’s their advice on what startups should look for in a VC.

Raising Startup Funds from Friends and Family the Right Way

Raising startup funds from friends and family comes with personal risk. We talked to founders about what to consider as you juggle personal and business interests.

How to Tell the Story of Your Startup's Cap Table

A startup's cap table tells a story around who owns what. Learn what investors often look for and how to clean things up as you raise funds and grow your company.

How Equity Dilution Impacts Early Stage Startups

Understanding the long-term implications of your startup’s capital raise is a daunting yet crucial exercise. The first step: Get smart on equity dilution.

Two Investor Emails Every Early Stage Founder Should Master

Two investor email templates every early stage founder needs to master to help grow and sustain their networks and relationships - before they need need to raise money.

How to Find the Right Angel Investors

Finding the right angel investors and making strategic connections with them can help early stage startups more than big checks early on. We offer a winning strategy for how to engage them.

Success Starts Here:

Learn about SVB’s solutions for startups that grow with you

BUILDING YOUR TEAM

Twist Bioscience CEO Emily Leproust says she doesn’t hire people who avoid problems, but people who can solve problems. Among the hardest jobs of a startup founder is to find the right talent, meld personalities and skills and then create a company culture that drives business goals. Here’s advice from startup founders on how to build a dynamic team.

How to make growth part of your DNA

Mikkel Svane, co-founder and CEO of Zendesk, describes the challenges of scaling a company, and why startups should determine a path for growth -- every year.

Create a Culture of Confidence

Larry Cutler, co-founder and CTO of Baobab Studios, describes how he supports employees to gain confidence to do what appears impossible.

Build a Trusted Team

Jessica Green, co-founder and CTO of Phylagen, explains how she built a team of trusted co-workers and advisors who openly communicate.

Twist: Finding the Right Partners

Emily Leproust, CEO of Twist Bioscience, discusses why it’s critical to build a strong team that can troubleshoot problems quickly.

Foster Collaboration

Frida Polli, founder and CEO of Pymetrics, discusses how she looks for employees and partners who want to collaborate to make a difference.

Gaining Traction:

Learn about SVB’s solutions for growing fast and growing smart