The Evolution of Founder-Investor Relations: Is 15-Year-Old Fundraising Advice Still Valid?

Startup founders are feeling nostalgic for the 2010s - but it’s not just sentiment. While tools, costs, and investor behavior have evolved, the fundamentals of successful fundraising, risk mitigation, traction, and milestone-driven growth - remain the same. The lean, fast-iterating spirit of 2010 is making a comeback, reminding founders that the game hasn't changed, just the players.

Nostalgia for the 2010s has quietly crept into the startup community, making founders miss the pioneering spirit, the fun and freedom of building indie projects, and the less intense competition back in the day. This isn’t about turning back the clock; the industry has matured significantly since 2010.

But if we were to re-enter the 2010s, how far back would we really need to roll? Let’s explore this topic from the perspective of founder-investor relationships and analyse how fundraising requirements for startups have evolved over the ...