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(light music)

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- Raising money as a founder

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is hard enough under normal circumstances,

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but closing a deal in
person is very different

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from closing a deal remotely on Zoom

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from your bedroom or kitchen table.

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Here are four tips

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that can help you close the deal remotely.

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Invest in things like an
external mic, good lighting,

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and whatever else you need
to look and sound your best.

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Hayley Barna, a partner
at First Round Capital,

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says she's met with some
founders remotely who quote,

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"Look like they're in a
witness protection program."

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Video calls can do more than
just facilitate conversations.

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Try screen-sharing as a way
to bring your story to life.

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Barna says it makes the
meeting more dynamic

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but it also creates a greater
level of transparency.

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Acknowledge the pandemic
but don't get carried away.

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Barna says some founders make the mistake

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of completely overhauling their pitch

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or making a knee-jerk change
in their business model,

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but most investors are looking
for long-term successes.

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In a challenging economy,

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you need a buffer against downside risk

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which often means money in the bank.

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It may sound counterintuitive,

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but don't be afraid to ask
for what you need or more.

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Barna says that if you ask for too little,

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you're just kicking the can down the road.

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(upbeat music)

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(rushing water)