Ask an Angel with Zach Coelius: practical advice for founders and investors in a downturn | E1512

Molly had a big board meeting today, so we had our guy Zach Coelius join for another version of Ask an Angel (1:32). Zach and Jason share their thoughts on remote work (4:40), the downturn (22:10), and then they answer audience questions (41:22). It’s a solid episode for founders and investors!

(0:00) Jason intro’s today’s Ask an Angel episode with Zach Coelius

(1:32) Ask an Angel with Zach Coelius

(4:40) Zach’s thoughts on remote work

(13:19) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(14:37) Managing a company post-COVID

(17:00) Who shines in the remote work era?

(20:51) Notion - Get $250 off by using code TWIST at https://notion.so

(22:10) The downturn: will people cancel or review their SaaS bills?

(26:09) How many of Zach’s founders have prepped for the downturn?

(30:50) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist

(32:02) Don’t try to invest in pre-product market fit companies when you’re first starting out (unless you know the founder’s awesome)

(41:22) Q&A: How do you think about competition in the same market in the early stages?

(46:43) What are the top buzzwords you’re staying away from as investors right now?

(59:00) Would you invest in SF?

(1:04:00) How much dilution after seed rounds turns into a red flag?

(1:06:14) Should the equity grant occur during financings or the board meeting?

(1:09:15) What does Zach focus on in terms of diligence?

(1:19:30) As a founder, when should you provide pro rata to angels and when not?

(1:25:10) Have you ever advised a founder to leave the CEO role?

(1:32:29) How long do you think the down market is going to be and what’s your strategy?