In the startup world, it’s common to poke fun at the “Startup” language and optimistic spin so common in early-stage founder pitches. I was joking with a fellow angel investor a few weeks ago about how the pitches we hear often start to sound the same, and how therefore I’m constantly writing similar words and phrases down in meetings with founders (because I’m old-school and take hand-written notes). That was the inspiration for this satirical early-stage investor “stationery”, ideal for taking notes during your first meeting with a founder (soon to be offered on Amazon.com for $14.99 for a 20-sheet pack — “the ideal gag gift for that VC that doesn’t need anything!”).
About the Author
Victor Gutwein is the managing director of M25 Group, a VC firm he founded in 2015. Victor is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 22) and an active member and co-chair of the Consumer group at Hyde Park Angels. Previously he has worked in corporate strategy on a variety of new businesses in retail & ecommerce. Victor has a passionate history with startups, including a vending machine business and kick scooter company, along with being on the board of the University of Chicago’s first student-run venture fund.
Victor lives with his wife on the South Side of Chicago and loves staying active with backpacking, running, biking and most water sports. If he can’t convince you to workout with him though, he’ll usually succeed in getting you to try out a Euro-style board game (like Settlers of Catan) with his friends.
Twitter: @lalayak
About M25
M25 Group is one of the most active venture capital firms focused solely on early-stage investments in the Midwest. Their objective, analytical approach has helped support their thesis and craft what is known as an ‘index fund of Midwest startups.’ M25 has already invested in over forty companies since their inception in 2015, and continues to invest in over twenty companies each year. Their collaborative, forward-thinking approach and diverse array of investments across industries and business models throughout the region has quickly established them as a key node in the Midwest startup ecosystem.
Twitter: @M25Group
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