The Chosen Founder: Narcissistic, Skeptical, and Doesn't Need Your VC
I’m an entrepreneur turned VC. I’ve been on both sides of the table, many times, and made countless mistakes. None is more important than picking the wrong partners. So let me tell you, fellow founder: when it comes to backing people like you, most of us in venture capital are getting it wrong. Every cycle, again and again.
It’s hard to invest based on people. That’s why so many VCs proudly claim they invest based on the market or tech. I think they’re either lying or pretending. No one can time the market. The VCs who say, “Now is the time for applications,” are fooling themselves. They can’t predict which technology will win or which narrative will dominate.
Then, there’s the second type of VCs, the ones who pretend to excel at tech. They claim special insight into a company’s technology. Here’s the truth: they don’t. And they shouldn’t. VCs are macro, not micro. We skim through the tech but don’t dive deep like founders do. Our job isn’t to know the tech better than the founder, it’s to back founders because they know it better than anyone else.
So, what does that leave? The third kind of investor doesn’t bet on market trends or tech. They bet on people. At the end of the day, it’s about founders, those who can pivot, adapt to ecosystems, and persevere. But choosing the right founders is tricky.
You're Not the "Ideal" Founder - You're the Chosen Founder
Forget about the polished image investors claim to want - polite, humble, easygoing. That's a myth. Real founders are complex and often misunderstood. The traits that drive your success - narcissism, cynicism, micromanagement, a killer instinct - are exactly what many VCs wrongly see as flaws.
You didn't choose founderism; it chose you. You're not built to take orders or conform to someone else’s vision. You create, lead, and forge your own path. If investors expect a friend, someone who neatly fits societal molds, or worse, someone who performs just enough to make them feel heard. Many investors want to feel their advice is being considered, that their presence makes a difference. That’s human. But if you find yourself optimizing for that, it’s a red flag. You’re here to build your company, not to make your investors feel smart or needed.
Here’s how you embody being the Chosen Founder:
1. You Don’t Actually Need Your VC
You don’t need constant hand-holding or daily check-ins. You don’t need to make them feel smart or validate every piece of advice they throw your way. That’s their ego talking, not your job. You succeed independently.
But when the shit hits the fan-when it really matters-you want investors who show up. The ones who pick up the phone at 2 a.m., who tell you the hard truths even if you don’t want to hear them. The ones who help you navigate pivots and existential crises without trying to run your company for you. That’s when you need them. And that’s when the right ones will show up.
2. You Embrace Your Narcissism and Charisma
Your confidence isn’t arrogance - it’s clarity. You command trust because you believe deeply in your vision. You don’t ask investors for validation; you tell them your direction. They might call this narcissism. You know it’s strength.
3. You're Crypto Native, Not Converted
You're committed to crypto regardless of short-term outcomes. You aren't here because it’s trendy; you're here because you believe deeply in the ecosystem. If your venture doesn't work, you won't jump ship - you'll build again, within crypto.
4. You're Radically Transparent-No Bullshit
You skip the pleasantries and jargon. You tell investors exactly what's happening, good or bad. You don’t sugarcoat mistakes or hide behind carefully crafted messages. This honesty is your power. It builds trust, even when the news isn't good.
5. You're Skeptical and Realistic
You believe in your mission passionately - but never blindly. You question hype, trends, and narratives, always staying grounded. Skepticism isn't doubt; it’s clarity. You see through the noise, making decisions based on reality, not wishful thinking.
6. You're Comfortable Micromanaging When Necessary
Sometimes the details matter deeply. You know when to delegate and when you absolutely must dive in yourself. Micromanagement isn't always a flaw - sometimes it's exactly what saves your company, especially when managing risks in volatile spaces like crypto.
7. You Thrive Under Pressure
When things get tough, you don’t crack - you get sharper. Pressure focuses you, making you clearer and more decisive. Investors might worry if you’ll handle stress. You know you’ll thrive on it. Crisis isn't a setback; it’s an opportunity.
8. You’re Politically Skilled
You recognize that success in crypto isn’t just about building tech; it’s about navigating politics, building coalitions, and aligning diverse stakeholders. You lead not just technically but politically. You understand human nature and know how to get others on board.
Conclusion: Own Your Killer Instinct
Stop worrying about whether investors like you or understand every nuance of your tech. Your job isn’t to impress them with superficial narratives or perfect market timing - it’s to build something extraordinary. Your killer instinct, charisma, radical transparency, and strategic skepticism are your greatest assets.
Remember, it's founders, not markets or technology, that ultimately shape the future. Be unapologetically yourself. The right investors will recognize you, not despite your edges, but because of them.
