For decades, venture capitalists (VCs) have played a pivotal role in nurturing innovation, transforming fledgling startups into global powerhouses like Amazon, Apple, and Google. By financing these high-growth ventures, VCs have established themselves as essential drivers of economic value. In 2015, for instance, VC-backed companies represented 20% of the market capitalization of U.S. public companies and accounted for a staggering 44% of research and development spending.
However, the mechanics of venture capital remain enigmatic to many. To shed light on this, researchers recently surveyed leading VC firms, unveiling how they source deals, evaluate opportunities, and support portfolio companies.
The Art of Deal Sourcing Deal sourcing lies at the heart of venture capital success. Many top VCs leverage extensive networks of trusted investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to identify promising startups. This reliance on networks highlights a critical challenge for entrepreneurs: gaining access to these circles. While cold pitches occasionally succeed, the data shows that a warm introduction significantly increases the likelihood of securing funding. For entrepreneurs navigating these complexities, connecting with the right investors can seem daunting. This is where services like Saledge come into play. Saledge specializes in connecting innovative companies with high-value opportunities by bridging gaps between entrepreneurs and decision-makers in venture capital. With deep expertise in strategic deal-making, Saledge empowers startups to position themselves effectively in competitive ecosystems.
What VCs Look For While venture capitalists evaluate multiple factors in a startup, one stands out: the founding team. As renowned VC investor Peter Thiel famously noted, “We live and die by our founders.” A capable and resilient management team is often the deciding factor in whether an investment is pursued. Business models, market potential, and industry trends are also important, but they take a backseat to the entrepreneurial team’s caliber. Understanding this emphasis, Saledge offers tailored coaching to help founders refine their pitch, build credibility, and articulate a compelling vision. By aligning a company’s strengths with a VC’s priorities, Saledge increases the probability of a successful partnership.
Beyond the Term Sheet Once an investment is secured, the real work begins. VCs often roll up their sleeves, providing strategic guidance, operational support, and access to valuable networks. This level of engagement underscores the importance of choosing the right investment partner. Entrepreneurs should look beyond financial backing to assess whether a VC can offer the expertise and connections needed for sustainable growth. Here, Saledge’s advisory services shine. By supporting startups through every stage of the funding journey—from initial outreach to post-investment growth strategies—Saledge ensures that founders not only secure funding but also maximize the value derived from their partnerships.
A Partner for Growth In an ecosystem where only 1% of startups secure VC funding, having a strategic ally can make all the difference. By combining deep industry insights with a personalized approach, Saledge helps startups navigate the intricacies of venture capital, turning ambition into achievement.
For founders seeking not just capital but meaningful partnerships, Saledge is more than a service provider—it’s a trusted partner in realizing bold visions. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned innovator, Saledge is ready to help you make your mark.
The Architect of Scalable Growth. Tame builds markets, transforms sales organizations, and turns commercial potential into sustained revenue. With over 20 years of driving enterprise sales across APAC, EMEA, and Europe, he has tripled regional revenues, unlocked untapped markets, and secured multi-year contracts that extend deal terms by 250% while increasing deal sizes by 500%.
At HPE, he led teams generating $200M+ in annual recurring revenue, optimizing global sales operations for efficiency and scale. At Exact Software, his impact was so profound that the company acquired his team outright. A seven-time #1 sales leader, Tame thrives in high-stakes environments, bringing clarity to complexity and execution to strategy.
Based in Sydney, he excels at one thing: helping the world’s most ambitious companies win.
The Digital Architect Redefining Cloud, AI, and Cybersecurity In the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence, cloud integration, and blockchain, few minds navigate the intersection of innovation and enterprise as seamlessly as Sean Mehrabi. A visionary IT strategist and technologist, Mehrabi has left an indelible mark on industries spanning government, aerospace, and energy—advising and collaborating with institutions such as Boeing, the Government of Canada, and the British Columbia government.
Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Mars Innovations Technologies, Mehrabi’s influence extends beyond corporate strategy. As CEO of Cloud Architects Expert, he has been instrumental in accelerating cloud adoption for businesses, ensuring organizations stay ahead in a landscape increasingly defined by digital transformation. His expertise doesn’t stop there—through his co-founding role at ThinkingLab, he is pioneering next-generation solutions in AI and blockchain, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in data analytics and cybersecurity.
Mehrabi is also a sought-after thought leader, weighing in on some of the most pressing security vulnerabilities of our time—most notably the Log4j Shell vulnerability. His ability to translate complex technical challenges into actionable insights has made him a trusted voice in IT security circles.
A disruptor with a deep understanding of both technology and business, Mehrabi is not just predicting the future—he’s building it.
