Investors break down how founders can raise a Series A today

Three venture capital investors recently shared advice and warnings for startup founders trying to raise a Series A funding round in the current market. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, the panelists described the fundraising environment as one of the hardest and most dysfunctional they have ever witnessed. Shailendra Singh of Peak XV warned that inflated revenue numbers and massive capital pouring into artificial intelligence could trigger a market correction as soon as 2027.

He noted that founders are increasingly closing rounds using up to three different prices at once, a practice Index Ventures partner Jahanvi Sardana dubbed “tranchopalooza.” To stand out, investors said founders must tell a persuasive story, attract top talent, and build in active sectors like defense, robotics, and AI infrastructure.

While financial metrics still matter, Jenelle Teng Wade of Bessemer Venture Partners explained that firms look beyond negative margins if the potential market is large enough. However, Singh cautioned founders against using cumulative revenue charts, calling them a “massive red flag” that masks poor time-series data. For parting advice, Singh urged founders not to rush, while Sardana warned against building products solely based on what is currently getting funded.

Teng Wade encouraged founders to be audacious in their