raidernation39

Account Executive

Series A - Case by case or Run?

Currently at a series A and interviewing with a few others. People seem quite opinionated on this so I wonder thoughts around this.

Every series A cannot be a blanket no way don't go right?

What would make a Series A an exception to the rule and worth joining given the state of things? Whats the formula?

Are there exceptions that make joining a Series A right now worth it?

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Barely (share below) not “A” chance 😏 Definitely yes I’m an order taker

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TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule.

it mainly comes down to what you are willing to put up with.

There is a great article here that Im sure someone will link but im too lazy to find. 😂

The biggest thing in my mind comes down to 2 things.

1. is there product market fit! does the market NEED and WANT the product you are selling. If this isnt there then the company will fail and you will make $0.

If this is there then move on to number 2.

2. What is the quality of the leader you work with?
Will you report to the CEO? or the Director of sales?
Have they done the job before?

If there is product market fit, and a solid leader and you are willing to put up with all the other stuff that comes with a start up.....go for it. But just dont have any illusions on what you are getting into .

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

SaaS Eater

Ill link it cuz I wrote two of them:
https://bravado.co/war-room/posts/why-joining-that-series-a-is-a-bad-idea
and in the academy here:
https://bravado.co/academy/moving-from-a-large-company-to-a-startup

In short, of course its not a blanket "no" but you gotta do your HW before being sold the dream. There ar 120 comments on that first article talking about the nuances of early series startups

CatMom

Politicker

Account Executive

Plus 100 to this ⬆️ also, how much runway do they have. Wish I would’ve asked this. Although I joined in Nov and the market wasn’t scary then. Are they being smart with their money and do they already have a handful of clients? Are those clients all friends of the CEO/board members that did them a favor or have they actually had success selling this product/service? Do you have connections in the industry and feel confident that you can bring on some people you already know? Do you have a plan B or enough in your savings account to hold you over for a few months if shit goes south? Shit happens so fast in this series A world. You might be doing well and gaining momentum but tomorrow they could very easily cut you and hang you out to dry. I don’t regret my choice to come here and I love the leadership and truly believe in the product but you better believe I’ve been saving every penny I possibly can and doing my best to be prepared for the worst.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Great points.

And the exception makes the rule

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

The risk/reward for joining series A in this climate is all out of whack.

NotCreativeEnough

Big Shot

Professional Day Ruiner

the issue is that VC's are becoming very tight with how/who they're choosing to fund with the market being so down. series A companies pose a huge risk for them.

Series A's also operate in the negative. They need that funding to stay afloat. If a VC doesn't give them the next round before they run out of cash you don't get a paycheck.

Its not a guarantee that a series A won't get their next round but personally it's not a risk that's worth taking imo with this economy.

Gasty

Notable Contributor

War Room Community Manager

Q: What do we say to the god Series A startups?
A: Not Today

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raidernation39

Series A - Case by case or Run?

Are there exceptions that make joining a Series A right now worth it?

7 comments

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