Golden Circle

SF 🩷

Miami Tech Week is here!

Excited to be kicking off the week speaking at Startup Olé Miami this Monday at 10:30 AM.

This is the kind of week where the right rooms can make all the difference

See you at my panel, you won’t want to miss it.

I’m giving away free tickets in the first comment.

If you’re building, raising, or around this week, let’s connect 🤝

The “credibility gap” for first-time founders is real. We don’t talk about it enough.

How do you build trust with investors when you don’t have a unicorn on your resume?

Being a first-time founder can feel like running a race where others already start with a head start. Investors naturally lean toward those who have scaled before, and that leaves many founders overlooked.

The good news? Credibility is not only about past exits. You can build it through early traction, trusted advisors, and strategic partnerships. One of the most powerful ways is to bring on angel investors who were successful founders themselves. They give you more than capital, they give you credibility, because they have walked the path before you.

I spoke about this recently with Reporte Indigo, in the context of a historic shift: for the first time since 2012, Mexico overtook Brazil as the top destination for venture investment in the region. Mexico is not only attracting capital, it is building the cycle where today’s founders become tomorrow’s angels.

That is the real multiplier. Not only raising capital, but recycling it and exporting innovation globally.

Founders, I’d love to hear your perspective: how are you building credibility with investors right now?

Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right”, but your raise just isn’t moving?

You’re not alone. Most founders I talk to feel stuck not because they’re doing it wrong but because they’re following advice that doesn’t fit their startup.

Last week, I shared some of those thoughts in Grupo Mundo Ejecutivo, where I talked about mistakes I see again and again:

- Raising too early, before timing and fit are clear
- Treating VC like a lifeline, not what it really is: fuel
- Pitching vague goals like “Product development” or “Marketing”
- Not realizing that not every startup is venture-backable and that’s okay
- Not researching investors to check if there's real alignment
- Ignoring local allies who could help you move faster

Thank you to Hernández and the Mundo Ejecutivo CDMX team for opening space for these conversations.

Here is the article: https://www.mundoejecutivo.com.mx/mujer-ejecutiva/6-recomendaciones-que-debes-tomar-en-cuenta-al-buscar-financiamiento-para-tu-startup/?=1

If you’re raising or just trying to figure it out, send me a DM.

Instead of asking investors for 30-minute calls, try this:

After years on the investor side, I’ve seen countless ways founders try to connect with investors, and many fall flat. Not because they lack potential, but because they’re missing a clear, intentional strategy. Here are four practical ways to build genuine, value-driven relationships:

1️⃣ Add them on LinkedIn and build in public
Let us see your journey! Share your wins, your learnings, what you're building. Give us a reason to care. When investors see consistent, tangible progress from afar, it creates a natural sense of interest, that "I need to know more" feeling.

2️⃣ Send a message that sparks curiosity
Whether it’s an email or a DM, lead with a compelling blurb that hints at your progress and how it connects to your goals. Investors are human, give us a reason to be genuinely curious about what you're building beyond a future ask.

3️⃣ Ask if you can add them to your investor update
This is one of the most underrated tools. A brief, quarterly update (3-5 bullet points) on your key milestones keeps you on their radar without demanding a meeting. It builds a powerful narrative over time, showing consistent progress. (and if you don’t have an update yet... that’s something worth fixing first.)

4️⃣ If possible, meet them in person.
Nothing beats face-to-face. Investor relationships grow faster at events, conferences, or even casual meet-ups. Show up prepared, be ready to share what you're building, and just be yourself. Real-world interaction makes a huge difference.

Scheduling a call “just to keep them in the loop” can easily backfire, especially if you're not fundraising yet.

Investors are people too, with full calendars and limited bandwidth.
Empathy goes a long way!

Want some extra tips on how to write truly compelling blurbs that get attention? DM me!

What an incredible experience hosting our Coffee Chat by Ganas Ventures proudly sponsored by Golden Circle, in Lima! ☕✨

We brought together an inspiring group of , , and tech enthusiasts to spark connections, share insights, and build a stronger community for change-makers. This wasn’t just about networking – it was about creating meaningful bonds and fostering collaboration.

The energy in the room was unmatched – bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and an electric sense of possibility. 🌟

A huge thank-you to Lo**ta Taub for trusting us to host this amazing event. 🙌

If you know a founder who’d love to join future events, tag them below or feel free to reach out. Let’s keep building together! 💡

There’s nothing like being in circles that inspire learning and growth! 💫

Had an fantastic time at the Startup Festival Lima on the Raising Funds panel, where we shared four different perspectives: Startup Accelerator (500 LatAm ), VC VC & .vc ) and CVC ( ). Each brought invaluable insights for founders navigating the fundraising journey.

At Golden Circle, we’re all about helping founders get venture capital ready. Here are three takeaways we discussed that are essential for LATAM founders on the path to funding:

1️⃣ Be Strategic: Fundraising isn’t just about the “when”; it’s an ongoing process. Keep building relationships even before you need them.

2️⃣ Communicate Clearly: If you want investors on board, you need to make what you do crystal clear—even a five-year-old should understand!

3️⃣ Believe in LATAM´s Potential: There’s so much talent and drive here. The ecosystem is growing, and we’re here to support founders who are building the future.

Thanks to the panelists for sharing their insights, the organizers for making this event possible, and to everyone who joined us. Let’s keep creating spaces that empower founders!
lima Startups Latam

At Golden Circle, we specialize in helping early-stage founders navigate the venture capital landscape. From refining your pitch to developing a fundraising strategy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.✨

Our mission? To democratize access to capital and empower underestimated founders to make a lasting impact. 🌍

Follow along for fundraising tips, startup insights, and a community of ambitious entrepreneurs building the future. Let’s make your vision a reality!

💬 Curious about how we can help? DM me or check out our free 30-minute assessment call.