3 pitch lessons from one of the leading venture capital firms

I'm curious to learn what it takes to create a startup. That's why hearing what a VC partner is looking for in an investment, in a LIVE forum, was a quick RSVP YES from me.

The one time I pitched was in a relaxed, working session at NYU, at a conference dedicated to exchanging edtech ideas.

In an industry as niche as edtech, you have to branch out to hear enough stories and read enough case studies about what it takes to grow and scale a business. I also think you'll be a more well-rounded entrepreneur for it.

This wasn't my first trip to Cornell Tech @ Bloomberg. Last year, I dove into understanding how an early-stage venture capital fund keeps our oldest equipped with tech, featuring Abby Miller Levy, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Primetime Partners.

I was ready to start off this year learning how to stand out with an idea. Here's what I learned from David Ulevitch, general partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (aka a16z).

Setting the scene

It was a 15-degree night at the tail end of the traditionally long January. A short walk from 42nd Street Station to The Bloomberg Center on Park Avenue and I was there.

I got my credential badge, headed to the 20-something-th floor, and found an empty chair in the speaking room, just before the 6 pm start time. A moment after gaining a new LinkedIn connection, the talent entered the building.

The MC, before Caroline Hyde and David Ulevitch walked out.

Bloomberg's daily tech flagship TV show host Caroline Hyde along with vc partner David Ulevitch took their seats at the front of the room. Below are the interview highlights that impacted me the most.

The types of investments venture capital firms like a16z make

I was surprised to hear David say that the earlier the firm invests in a startup journey, the better for their fund.

Maybe it's the types of deals I see on Shark Tank. Or my overall greenness to the VC world. I figured for someone to want to invest in you, showing your dedication to your work means proving that you've already done the heavy lifting. This actually isn't true.

At the same time, while the barrier to entry at some venture capital firms is as low as simply having an idea, you've got to bring at least this to the table.

"I'm not your idea figuring out partner."

David explained that some funds help founders get through the idea phase, this just isn't a16z's specialty. At this firm, it's up to the founder to know:

• How to get to the next step

• What people will help you get there

There's also a clear line between ideas that have a shot at getting an investment and others that sound like a shot in the dark.

"We avoid science projects."

David mentioned that quantum, for example, isn't commercially real yet.

One last add to our list of idea do's and don'ts: To aspiring entrepreneurs in the insurance space, a16z isn't the place for you.

"It's more than the idea, you need top-notch talent."

Let's shift from standout ideas to wowing a firm with your talent.

Standing out to venture capital firms as a founder

David wants to see how every moment in your life prepared you for this moment.

This sounded like an easy enough expectation to me. My own throughline is going from learning with edtech in my student years to marketing to drive product adoption in the industry as a professional. If you're familiar with seeing phrases like ex-Google or ex-Meta in LinkedIn bios, you might get the humor in mine that lists me as an ex-Edtech Kid. I have many stories and value propositions to show off my distinct edge in this space. But does everyone?

I'd like to think yes. You don't need a linear career path to do this effectively. Whether you've changed industries or disciplines, once or a few times, I believe everyone has a story in them that with some finesse and a few rewrites, can effectively explain how they landed on the path that they did.

David also mentions that a founder who demonstrates that they've anticipated how to work out all the challenges heading their way can help them stand out. There's an advantage to planning your next five moves.

Oh, and be sure to have an answer to every question your potential VC asks.

Location, location, location

I didn't see this one coming. Because teetering on four years out of pandemic lockdowns, I assume most startups are remote or have team members working away from the main hub. Are we still doing physical locations in 2025?

It was no surprise that David called out the Bay Area as having the best tech talent. (It never gets old that I moved 3,000 from my hometown of San Francisco to New York City, to end up working in tech, an industry that had been thriving in my backyard my entire childhood.)

He followed this comment up by giving a nod to New York City, mentioning that talent aside, entrepreneurs can celebrate the other pros that make this city special, from owning the title of financial capital of the world to being a leader in law and fashion.

"New York is still good, better than Cincinnati."

A sigh of relief, for me. But I mean...what if you happen to be in the Cincinnati tech scene? Or Atlanta, another city David called out by name?

The vibe I picked up is that VCs aren't exempt from judging a team's quality of talent based on where they're located. And a team looking to expand should try to head out west to find their people.

A quick Google search let me know that very few VCs will just invest anywhere.

Takeaways on pitching to venture capital firms

David expressed optimism about the future of venture capitalism.

"People feel permission to take risks and are newly optimistic in this new Trump administration."

I've started to check out the a16z education and learning investments for my own selfish edtech idea purposes.

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