In the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship, desperate times can lead founders to make hasty decisions with long-lasting consequences. Episode 11 of "Startup: Confidential" delves into the treacherous world of abusive finders and deceptive angel investors, as we follow the story of Jive Travel, a company struggling to stay afloat and forced to make tough choices.

In the tech industry, finders can be a valuable resource for startups seeking to raise capital. However, not all finders have the best interests of the company at heart. Some exploit the desperation of startups, imposing exploitative terms that can be detrimental to the business. It's crucial for founders to recognize the difference between helpful finders and those who prey on vulnerable startups.

Adding to the complexity of raising funds, Jive Travel encounters seemingly benevolent private investors, known as "angel investors." However, these angels turn out to be demons in disguise. Despite holding a minority stake, they demand aggressive terms that grant them undue influence over the company. From the outset, it's clear that their intentions are far from angelic.

In Episode 11 of "Startup: Confidential," we explore the dark side of startup financing, highlighting the importance of due diligence and discernment in navigating the murky waters of finders and angel investors. Will Jive Travel manage to overcome the challenges posed by these predatory forces, or will they succumb to the pressure and lose control of their company's future?

Nimrod Vromen is also the author of Prompting Happiness - a book about the pursuit of happiness in the age of artificial intelligence (now on Amazon).

Jordan is managing partner of Global Upscale, an international marketing and design firm, which produced this series.