Free Startup Fundraising Advice & Investor Pitch Practice with Scott Fox, CEO of StartupCouncil.org

StartupCouncil.org
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🚀 Startup Founders: Free Startup Mentoring & Investor Pitch Practice Are you raising money for your startup? Searching for angel investors or venture capital funding? Need feedback on your pitch deck, product/market fit, or business strategy? Join the Startup Council’s FREE Founder Support Office Hours, hosted by Silicon Valley startup expert and angel investor Scott Fox. This interactive livestream Q&A for founders offers: ✅ Free startup mentoring & strategy advice ✅ Live investor pitch practice with expert feedback ✅ Fundraising tips to connect with angel investors & venture capitalists ✅ Guidance on building your team & protecting intellectual property ✅ Support for first-time founders, female founders, and minority entrepreneurs 🌍 Founders worldwide join each month for practical answers to their biggest startup questions. Whether you’re pre-seed or scaling to Series A, you’ll get actionable advice to grow faster. 🎙️ Your Host: Scott Fox — CEO of the Startup Council, Chairman of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs SoCal, investor in 30+ startups, serial entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Click Millionaires and Internet Riches. 📢 How to Join FREE: Register here: 👉 Startup Office HoursWatch & chat live: LinkedIn | YouTube (Live Chat!) | FacebookListen on podcast: Scott Fox Radio💡 Want to ask a question or practice your pitch live on camera? Submit before the show here: Pitch Signup 📩 Join the Startup Council Free Email List for founder resources & future events: Newsletter Signup 👉 Don’t miss this fun, friendly, and free livestream designed to help you raise funding, practice pitching, and accelerate your startup journey.

Episodes

  1. Free Startup Pitch Practice + Angel Investor Q&A w/ StartupCouncil.org and #StartupFriends Worldwide

    FEB 1

    Free Startup Pitch Practice + Angel Investor Q&A w/ StartupCouncil.org and #StartupFriends Worldwide

    In this episode of our free Startup Fundraising Office Hours, StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox took lots of questions from #startupfriends worldwide - both on camera and via chat. These mostly focused on helping #startup #founders accelerate their fundraising process to raise money from angel investors and venture capital firms, including: This show was live on camera, Scott Fox talked with StartupCouncil.org Members, including: Pratishka, San Diego / Orange County: She asked how to find strategic investors for Co-Cardio, a preventive cardiology franchise that focuses on cash-pay wellness, and Scott advised her to pivot away from venture capital toward the franchise world or individual doctors who understand cash-pay models.Mike, Laguna Woods, CA: He asked if taking small early funding could ruin his chances with major accelerators like Y Combinator, and Scott warned that high early valuations can "price you out" of standard accelerator terms while emphasizing the need for due diligence on all investors.Mustafa, Irvine, CA (UC Irvine): He returned to practice his much-improved investor pitch for his medical device AI software startup A1 Diagnosis. Scott recommended focusing the pitch on the revenue model, specifically Medicare reimbursement, and clarifying that the solution is software-based.Sean, Delaware: He asked about the new differentiators for founders now that AI tools like Codeium are making product development much cheaper, and Scott noted that core differentiators will shift toward high-level organization, executive function, and human empathy.Kyle, Orange County, CA: He pitched Smart Nosis, a concussion monitoring app for contact sports and schools, and Scott suggested including specific contract values and financial numbers in the pitch to demonstrate the actual scale of the business.Plus, Scott and the chat room audience together answered many questions from the live chat, as well as sharing feedback from other viewers who offered suggestions and advice for each other. And (as usual) everybody wanted to know the best resource to find early-stage investors interested in their startups. Answer: Google + https://www.StartupInvestorsDirectory... And much more, as usual! Watch the free replay video now for startup #founder pitches, and the expert #investor feedback they got! Have more questions?? We're here to help if you post your questions in the Comments! Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org now to join us for lots of #startup resources, expertise, publicity opportunities, events, and much more - including FREE email newsletters. Plus, get details on StartupCouncil.org's worldwide network of Meetup groups that can help you to promote YOUR local startup events in YOUR city, too. Great to see everyone and congratulations on the progress you are making with your #startups! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT? Join us again next month on the Startup Fundraising Office Hours show for valuable startup #strategy advice, #fundraising expertise, #networking, and expert Investor Pitch practice feedback, too - ALL #FREE to help early stage #founders like you courtesy of the #communityservices of https://StartupCouncil.org - the Startup Council is here to help!

    1h 52m
  2. Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    12/20/2025

    Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    For December’s FREE Startup Fundraising Office Hours, StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox welcomed startup founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world for another high-energy, value-packed session. As always, the discussion focused on helping early-stage startup founders accelerate their fundraising process and improve their chances of successfully raising capital from angel investors and venture capital firms. The session covered a wide range of startup industries, including AI, medical devices, software, robotics, education, and mental health, highlighting the diversity of innovation happening worldwide. Mustafa from Orange County, California practiced his investor pitch for his medical device and software startup, receiving guidance on how to clearly explain a complex healthcare solution to non-technical investors, position regulatory strategy, and emphasize market demand.Byron also practiced his investor pitch. He is seeking venture capital funding for his educational robotics kits, and received feedback on refining his value proposition, clarifying the buyer, and addressing common investor concerns around sales cycles in education technology.Jonathan from Austin, Texas recently completed an AI coding training program and practiced his venture capital pitch for a new AI agent service he plans to launch soon. Scott shared advice on standing out in the crowded AI market, clearly defining use cases, and communicating traction and differentiation to investors.Mojeed from Phoenix asked important questions about structuring a new AI company, including entity setup, positioning for investors, and how to think about early-stage strategy before fundraising.Edie from San Francisco asked Scott about current investor interest in her mental health startup, leading to a discussion about trends in mental health funding, impact-driven businesses, and how founders can frame their story to align with investor priorities.May asked in the live chat about the seasonality of pitching investors, and whether cold emails and online submissions are effective. Scott explained that cold outreach is generally not effective — with one important exception, which he shared during the session.In addition, Scott answered many questions from the live chat and highlighted excellent suggestions, feedback, and advice shared by other viewers. As usual, many founders asked about the best resource for finding early-stage investors interested in startups like theirs. Scott’s answer: Google combined with the Startup Investors Directory at https://www.StartupInvestorsDirectory.com. And much more, as always. Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org to join a global community offering startup resources, expert advice, publicity opportunities, events, and FREE email newsletters. You can also learn about StartupCouncil.org’s worldwide network of Meetup groups, which help founders promote local startup events in cities around the world.

    1h 25m
  3. Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    11/20/2025

    Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    Have more questions?? StartupCouncil.org is here to help if you post your questions in the Comments! We offer free expert #startup #VC #mentoring for #entrepreneurs who have #fundraising #venturecapital or #businessstrategy questions AND offer feedback on #founder #investorpitches! For November's Free Startup Fundraising Office Hours, StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox took lots of questions from #startupfriends worldwide. These mostly focused on helping #startup #founders accelerate their fundraising process to raise money from angel investors and venture capital firms including: Ken from Brisbane, Australia returned to share the updated pitch for his international Artificial Intelligence AI educational opportunities marketplace.Surya from Riverside asked about "red flags" that turn off investors, especially for #edtech startups.Josua from Germany practiced his investor pitch for his startup that's working on AI-enabled documentation tools for the aircraft industry. Courtney from Los Angeles asked for tips on finding local angel investors. John from Orange County asked if investors believe the financial projections that startups provide. (Hint: NO)Ashley from NYC asked how do you know when it's time for your #startup to scale.Maria Kristina from the Philippines asked for practical tips on how to find and get the attention of boutique investment funds in the next 30 days.Sumanta from Bengaluru asked how to find SMB customers to test and give beta feedback on their new B2B software products. Surya with another question: How much traction is needed before angel investors will consider investing in a new company? Nithen asked how to book Private Coaching Calls with Scott Fox to get some personal mentoring for his startup (Answer: https://scottfox.com/workwithscott )SikeTechz from Vancouver wanted to know how to split his team's efforts between product building, marketing, and fundraising. Plus, Scott answered many questions from the live chat, too, as well as sharing the excellent input from other viewers who offered suggestions, feedback, and advice for each other.And (as usual) everybody wanted to know the best resource to find early-stage investors interested in their startups. Answer is: Google + https://www.startupinvestorsdirectory.com And much more, as usual! Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE if the show is helpful to you? Have more questions?? We're here to help if you post your questions in the Comments! Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org now to join us for lots of #startup resources, expertise, publicity opportunities, events, and much more - including FREE email newsletters. Plus, get details on StartupCouncil.org's worldwide network of Meetup groups that can help you to promote YOUR local startup events in YOUR city, too. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT?

    1h 29m
  4. Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    10/06/2025

    Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    Have more questions?? StartupCouncil.org is here to help if you post your questions in the Comments! We offer free expert #startup #VC #mentoring for #entrepreneurs who have #fundraising #venturecapital or #businessstrategy questions AND offer feedback on #founder #investorpitches! For November's Free Startup Fundraising Office Hours, StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox took lots of questions from #startupfriends worldwide. These mostly focused on helping #startup #founders accelerate their fundraising process to raise money from angel investors and venture capital firms, including: Dominic from New Jersey asked how to find and raise money from venture capital firmsNicolas from Quebec practiced his investor pitch for his AI agents startupSam from Brisbane tried repeatedly to join us and finally got his mic working on his 3rd (or 4th?) try! We offered feedback on his import of the Tea App from America to the Australian market.Courtney from Los Angeles asked for tips on finding local angel investors.Hojoon from Rowland Heights asked for advice on how to build smarter (not harder) and for entrepreneur support resources in the Los Angeles / Orange County area.Ken from Brisbane shared the pitch for his international Artificial Intelligence AI educational opportunities marketplacePlus, Scott answered many questions from the live chat, too, as well as sharing the excellent input from other viewers who offered suggestions, feedback, and advice for each other.And (as usual) everybody wanted to know the best resource to find early-stage investors interested in their startups. Answer is: Google + https://www.startupinvestorsdirectory.com And much more, as usual! Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE if the show is helpful to you? Have more questions?? We're here to help if you post your questions in the Comments! Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org now to join us for lots of #startup resources, expertise, publicity opportunities, events, and much more - including FREE email newsletters. Plus, get details on StartupCouncil.org's worldwide network of Meetup groups that can help you to promote YOUR local startup events in YOUR city, too. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT?

    1h 16m
  5. Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    08/27/2025

    Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    We're back with free expert #startup #VC #mentoring for #entrepreneurs who have #fundraising #venturecapital or #businessstrategy questions AND offering feedback on #founder #investorpitches! StartupCouncil.org's latest fun and interactive Startup Fundraising Office Hours #livestream #YouTube Q&A session ​welcomed practice #investorpitches and answered questions from ​entrepreneurs worldwide once again. StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox helped accelerate the startup's fundraising process with friendly discussion and advice about raising money from angel investors and venture capital firms, including: Daniel from Los Angeles practiced his angel investor pitch for a new soccer-style sports leagueShaun from # Boston asked questions about Venture Capital firm structure and the impact of fewer #IPOs on liquidity and investments from LPsNiusha from # Dubai shared about her new minerals and mining marketplace. Scott and the crowd shared feedback on her practice investor pitch.Carl from # Manila asked about startup platforms and listing services to join (hint: https://StartupCouncil.org) and also how to build an MVP without any funding. Leo asked how to find investors (hint: https://www.StartupInvestorsDirectory...)Aileen asked for strategies for raising money for her haircare business. Scott explained small businesses vs startups and how raising money for high-growth companies is different from traditional businesses. Plus, they discussed crowdfunding opportunities like Kickstarter vs equity CF like Wefunder and StartEngine.Shaun also asked about fundraising platforms, accelerator programs, and deal flow management software, plus whether their costs were worth it.Mona asked about traction, and Scott introduced the concept of MVT - meaning "Minimum Viable Traction" from his upcoming fundraising book.And (as usual) everybody wanted to know the best resource to find early stage investors interested in their startups. Answer: Google + https://www.startupinvestorsdirectory.com/ And much more, as usual! Watch the FREE replay video now for startup #founder pitches, and the expert #investor feedback they got! Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE if the show is helpful to you? Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org to join us for lots of FREE #startup resources, expertise, publicity opportunities, events, and much more - including FREE email newsletters.​ Plus, get details on StartupCouncil.org's worldwide network of Meetup groups that can help ​you to promote YOUR local startup events in your city, too. Great to see everyone and congratulations on the progress you are making with your #startups! ​PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT? Have more questions?? We're here to help if you post your questions in the Comments!

    1h 42m
  6. Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    07/18/2025

    Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    Raising money from #angelinvestors and #venturecapital is the focus on Startup Fundraising Office Hours - #free #startup #mentoring and #investor #pitchpractice for #entrepreneurs who have #fundraising or #businessstrategy questions and #founders seeking expert feedback! StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox helped accelerate the startup's fundraising process with friendly discussion and advice about raising money from angel investors and venture capital firms. This month's fun and interactive Startup Fundraising Office Hours #livestream #YouTube Q&A session ​welcomed practice #investorpitches and answered questions from ​entrepreneurs worldwide once again, including: Shaun from Delaware asked about resources for finding investor pitch competitions (We recommended good old Google, plus https://StartupEvents.org )Salman from Los Angeles practiced the investor pitch for his #fintech #AI startupMark from San Francisco checked in with questions about the pitch for #hardware #deeptech startup, too. Tiffany from Amsterdam asked about how to talk about #AI in her investor approaches, but without overdoing itMike from Sydney (down under!) asked how to get more feedback and response from their many investor pitches that received no replyWe also offered the FREE #lawyer introductions service at StartupCouncil.org that can help #founders find #legal #attorney expertise that specializes in #startup strategies: https://www.startupcouncil.org/intros And (as usual) everybody wanted to know how to find early-stage investors interested in their startups. Answer: We built a service for that at https://www.startupinvestorsdirectory.com/ And much more, as usual! Watch the free replay video now for startup #founder pitches, and the expert #investor feedback they got! Post your follow-up questions there, and we'll try to help you out! Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE if the show is helpful to you? REGISTER NOW #FREE FOR NEXT TIME AT: https://startup-office-hours.eventbri... Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org to join us for lots of FREE #startup resources, expertise, publicity opportunities, events, and much more - including FREE email newsletters.​ Plus, get details on StartupCouncil.org's worldwide network of Meetup groups that can help ​you promote YOUR events. Great to see everyone and congratulations on the progress you are making with your #!startups! ​PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT? Have more questions?? We're here to help if you post your questions in the Comments!

    1h 17m
  7. Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    05/30/2025

    Live Startup Pitching & Angel Investor VC Insights: Scott Fox StartupCouncil.org CEO

    We're back with free expert #startup #mentoring for #entrepreneurs who have #fundraising #venturecapital or #businessstrategy questions AND offering feedback on #founder #investorpitches! StartupCouncil.org's latest fun and interactive Startup Fundraising Office Hours #livestream #YouTube Q&A session ​welcomed practice #investorpitches and answered questions from ​entrepreneurs worldwide once again. StartupCouncil.org CEO Scott Fox helped accelerate the startups fundraising process with friendly discussion and advice about raising money from angel investors and venture capital firms including: Ilias and Kriakos from #Cyprus asked about investor strategy to support their food waste reduction app startupTina from the #UAE asked about raising money for her coaching business, and Joyce from Santa Barbara asked about funding for her music - neither are typical #VC businesses (we discuss why plus some alternatives)Mya from San Diego pitched her "GPS for Cell Therapy" imaging startup (and did a great job)Ketan from #Bengaluru asked what is the #1 thing that #angelinvestors look for in a new startupPachet from Mission Viejo CA pitched her B2B2C service to help patients increase access and save money on specialized maternity and related servicesOmid from Las Vegas was back to practice the pitch for his #AI media analysis and shopping startup (getting better every time!)Wesley from #Toronto wanted to explore strategy for his idea around a new #AI forward #workflow and project management tool to help project managers and entrepreneurs more quickly organize and manage their workRajat from #Auckland NZ shared his challenges around a new financial management tool and how to grow the team and select the best partnersAnd (as usual) everybody wanted to know the best resource to find early stage investors interested in their startups. Answer: Google + https://www.StartupInvestorsDirectory... And much more, as usual! Watch the free replay video now for startup #founder pitches, and the expert #investor feedback they got on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/scottfox Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE if the show is helpful to you? Visit https://www.StartupCouncil.org to join us for lots of FREE #startup resources, expertise, publicity opportunities, events, and much more - including FREE email newsletters.​ Plus, get details on StartupCouncil.org's worldwide network of Meetup groups that can help ​you to promote YOUR events. Great to see everyone and congratulations on the progress you are making with your #!startups! ​PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT? Have more questions?? We're here to help if you post your questions in the Comments! Join us again next month on the Startup Fundraising Office Hours show for valuable startup #strategy advice, #fundraising expertise, #networking, and expert Investor Pitch practice feedback, too - ALL #FREE to help early stage #founders like you courtesy of the #communityservices of https://StartupCouncil.org - the Startup Council is here to help!

    1h 46m
  • 7 Episodes

About

🚀 Startup Founders: Free Startup Mentoring & Investor Pitch Practice Are you raising money for your startup? Searching for angel investors or venture capital funding? Need feedback on your pitch deck, product/market fit, or business strategy? Join the Startup Council’s FREE Founder Support Office Hours, hosted by Silicon Valley startup expert and angel investor Scott Fox. This interactive livestream Q&A for founders offers: ✅ Free startup mentoring & strategy advice ✅ Live investor pitch practice with expert feedback ✅ Fundraising tips to connect with angel investors & venture capitalists ✅ Guidance on building your team & protecting intellectual property ✅ Support for first-time founders, female founders, and minority entrepreneurs 🌍 Founders worldwide join each month for practical answers to their biggest startup questions. Whether you’re pre-seed or scaling to Series A, you’ll get actionable advice to grow faster. 🎙️ Your Host: Scott Fox — CEO of the Startup Council, Chairman of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs SoCal, investor in 30+ startups, serial entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Click Millionaires and Internet Riches. 📢 How to Join FREE: Register here: 👉 Startup Office HoursWatch & chat live: LinkedIn | YouTube (Live Chat!) | FacebookListen on podcast: Scott Fox Radio💡 Want to ask a question or practice your pitch live on camera? Submit before the show here: Pitch Signup 📩 Join the Startup Council Free Email List for founder resources & future events: Newsletter Signup 👉 Don’t miss this fun, friendly, and free livestream designed to help you raise funding, practice pitching, and accelerate your startup journey.

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