The 1-and-30 Rule: Continuous Year-Round Fundraising for Startup Founders

Jason Lemkin argues that founders should treat fundraising like a sales funnel by committing to meeting one new VC per week and spending 30 minutes weekly on existing investor relationships, regardless of immediate capital needs. This 1-and-30 rule ensures a pipeline of potential investors and champions for future rounds. The approach mirrors effective sales and marketing practices by consistently prospecting, nurturing leads, and investing in customer success.