# Lessons Learned from Raising $120K for My Startup Journey
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Years ago, I embarked on a startup venture that ultimately did not succeed. I lost not only the initial $120K from investors but also an additional million dollars raised later. The startup, initially named Fuzeclass, is no longer operational. While I may share more about its failures in the future, my focus here is to reflect on how I managed to secure that initial funding.
Looking back at the slides I presented, I feel a mix of regret and nostalgia. These visuals represent something that was once alive but has since faded away. Five years of my life were invested in this endeavor, and it’s disheartening to see it all gone, along with my investors' contributions.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, I recognize some of my earlier claims were misguided. For instance, I boldly stated it was the "#1 tool" in the market, despite it being a concept at that time. A more accurate phrasing would have acknowledged its potential for future growth, though even that might have come across as overly ambitious.
The concept itself wasn’t flawed; it was promising. My background in the afterschool sector, combined with my experience as a parent of four, shaped my belief that this fragmented market is ripe for innovation. There’s a strong need for a comprehensive solution that facilitates communication and scheduling for both youth organizations and parents.
However, I'm not here to dissect what went wrong. Instead, I want to highlight how effortlessly I was able to raise the initial funds. My educational background from institutions like Cambridge and Harvard, along with my experience at Morgan Stanley, provided a significant advantage, though it can also lead to complications.
With the Fuzeclass idea in mind, I began two parallel pursuits: seeking investors and searching for a technical co-founder. I was fortunate to succeed in both endeavors swiftly.
In terms of funding, conversations with friends revealed a quick understanding of my business idea—a straightforward app for managing afterschool activities. Their interest was promising, but it didn't immediately translate to financial commitment.
Then, a pivotal moment occurred. An ex-colleague who had opted out of investing introduced me to a founding partner at a venture capital firm. Our discussion struck a chord with him, as he had firsthand experience with the challenges of managing his children’s afterschool schedules. He offered me an angel investment of $50K, expressing a desire to be the sole investor.
With his commitment in hand, I approached my friends again, stating that I had secured a VC's interest and invited them to join under the same terms. They agreed, and by the end of February, the funding was complete.
I was filled with excitement about launching my startup and envisioned a future where I could achieve millionaire status—or even billionaire status. However, the reality was quite different.
The takeaway from this experience? You don’t need polished presentations to attract investment. A solid idea coupled with a few straightforward slides can suffice. I was fortunate to secure funding with just a couple of basic visuals.
As for the future, I’m unsure whether I’ll venture into another startup. Currently, I'm focused on recovering from my past experiences and consulting in areas related to my investment banking background. Writing is becoming a side project that I’m eager to explore.
To avoid the cliché of using dollar signs or a typical entrepreneur image, I chose to share a photo of my dog, Astra. She brings joy by playing with tennis balls and serves as a reminder to find happiness in simple things.
