Why VCs Really Said No To Your Startup (And How To Fix It)

Brutal truth: It’s not your deck. It’s your direction.

In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, investor and startup advisor Sara Hood breaks down the 7 unfiltered reasons your startup isn’t getting funded — and how to course correct before your next pitch. If you've been getting "No" from VCs, this video is your wake-up call.

Sara has helped founders raise millions in venture capital, sits on over 10 advisory boards, and invests in the most underfunded demographic in the country. She doesn’t sugarcoat—and that’s exactly why you need to hear this.

💥 Don’t just build a business. Build DIFFERENT.

👇 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: It’s not the market. It’s YOU.
00:25 – Why VCs don’t invest in small ideas
01:10 – If your TAM doesn’t scream “category leader,” you’re already out
01:35 – VC is not a blessing—it’s a bet
02:21 – You’re selling an exit, not your effort
02:50 – Great businesses ≠ VC-backable businesses
03:14 – Why lifestyle brands don’t belong in the VC lane
03:45 – Speed = credibility (how VCs assess momentum)
04:10 – YC’s rule: “Build fast. Launch faster.”
04:32 – Are you pitching a product or a vision?
04:55 – Don’t tell me what it does—show me what changes when you win
05:23 – Timing kills more deals than bad ideas
05:45 – Fundraising is like surfing: catch the wave or miss it completely
06:10 – Founder-Market Fit: The unspoken edge
06:36 – Final thoughts + what to do next

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