Something is seriously wrong with Antler's culture

I'll start - One of the older VC firms with an office in Indiranagar (also probably planning to shut their scout vehicle fund after a few employee exits) reels of toxicity at the helm. GP who comes from a rich family has the habit of arm twisting employees and putting them down even on the smallest of the mistakes. What's your toxic VC story?

If you have been through the process of raising funding from VCs, whats been your best and worst experiences?

I'm hearing some horror stories of pressure and unreasonable expectations coming from VC's even at the seed stage. Pre and post funding. Do you folks have stories to share about this. Especially w.r.t. interaction with associates with zero business experience giving Gyan !.

Second meeting with the guy, thought his outlook might improve because we had better numbers than the first meeting (few months ago). Didn't even remember the first conversation, or our business, didn't do any research on our startup or industry before the meeting. Kept forcing opinions on me instead of listening, same as the first meeting. Extremely rude and a waste of time. He said many things no founder should say, that too for another founder. (Pitching is difficult as is, rejection is common and it's very easy to get demotivated) When I said I'll share my experience with other founders and startups so they don't engage with that platform, got a reply saying they'll send me a defamation notice if I do, and will also tell other investors in the community that we are doing this startup as a "hobby" and no investor will come onboard. It's amazing to see the kind of arrogance some people have, especially in the investor and VC network. Would have loved to name and shame him but I have better things to do than to get into petty court cases with assholes. Fellow founders, please be very careful and choosy with who you talk to about your startup's fundraise. Indian VC ecosystem is mostly a circlejerk and a shitshow. You're better off raising from friends and family and even individual angel investors than trying to bargain with devils in disguise. I will most likely stop pitching for investment altogether and focus on growing my profitability than waste time convincing idiots who'd rather throw money on pitch decks without an MVP and startups without PMF, revenue or profitability. /endrant

how is Park+ as a startup? need reviews about its problem statement, work nature, culture and pay. thanks in advance Grapeviners 🙂🙂

i am looking to give entrepreneurship a shot. best way to find a Co-founder??

Hi folks, I got laid off today from a YC-backed startup (W23) citing a shift in product focus. Was part of the core team since Oct '21, initially as an intern then later converted to FTE in '22. Got a decent (30%+) increment this year. I was leading the mobile platform but currently, I'm on a notice period. CTO is supportive and helping me via their network. I'm a recent graduate and this is my first time experiencing a layoff. What should I do now? What things should I keep in mind looking for the next opportunity? Also, if you are hiring and looking for a full-stack engineer, do reach out via https://t.me/GrimBeard75

So I interviewed for a SaaS company serving US clients. I got selected after three rounds (basic email chat, built a project, technical coding round at last) and got selected. Finally, it was time to discuss salary and joining date with the CEO. He was impressed by the about section on my portfolio, where I mentioned that I like to go on treks, hikes, read books, lift weights, go on a run, etc. During our call he mentioned that everyone at the startup works 6-7days a week, 12hrs a day and asked if I'd be fine with it as I have a "happening life". I said that I'm not used to it but I'll manage and work in appropriate working hours. He seemed to agree on it. But he ghosted me after that, and when I pinged him in the email thread; he said he's not moving ahead with me because my other properties won't allow me to "work as much as other employees". How am I supposed to react to this lol

What can be improved? Not people specific, but what you feel is wrong about us consistently across most conversations you've had?