In this episode of Next Round Ready, Coach Chris sits down with an insightful guest Steph from OpenVC to explore how authentic relationships with fellow founders, operators, and investors can unlock growth and funding opportunities.
They unpack the power of community in the startup space, from deal flow and strategic partnerships to gaining clarity before a fundraise. You’ll hear how real conversations, not just content, help founders accelerate their journey and build trust in the market.
What we discuss
* The mindset shift from content as marketing → to content as a credibility signal
* Why community-led growth isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a strategy
* How warm intros still drive most of startup fundraising
* Mistakes founders make when chasing attention instead of traction
* Tactical ways to engage with peers and potential investors before you're ready to pitch
Connect with Steph on LinkedIn
Resources & Mentions:
* Score yourself with the Next Round Ready Scorecard
* Follow Coach Chris on Twitter
* Subscribe to the Hinesight Newsletter
