As a founder you know that raising money can make or break your startup, which is why this is such an important milestone. It can be intensely competitive , because there are lots of founders who want funding , and not enough funders. You need to get an investor to fall in love with you. Think of it like playing the dating game, where you try to convince the Prom Queen that you are the Prince Charming she has been looking for . When I use the word "game," I'm not being flippant. Like so many other things in life, this is also a game, which has both explicit as well as implicit rules. If you learn these rules, you're going to become a better player , and increase your chances of success.