David Graham

Angel, founder and NED with 4 exits. Partner @dyrectli and @riff-raff - backing early stage tech companies

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Check out the latest article in my newsletter: The Autumn Budget: What It Really Means for Founders Raising Capital in 2025 and beyond https://t.co/iHAsjMjFWj via @LinkedIn

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Founders Always Ask? Am I actually ready to raise?

Read it here: https://t.co/WnB9sZItXu

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@theaadedewe DM

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@UliKuenzel VC

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Founders think they’re being smart when they sound complex.
Smart founders know clarity is the strategy.

You don’t earn belief by confusing people into nodding.
You earn it by making them say, “That’s obvious - why doesn’t it already exist?”

The founders who raise fast aren’t the ones with the biggest decks.
They’re the ones who can say what they do - and why it matters - in one breath.

Simplicity doesn’t mean dumbing it down.
It means cutting everything that doesn’t convert belief into trust.

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Investors don’t fund logic.
They fund belief.

You can’t spreadsheet your way into conviction - you have to make people feel it.

Before it’s a business, it’s a feeling.
Founders who forget that, raise slower.

(See Dale Carnegie’s classic - still the best guide to emotional intelligence in business.)

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

#NewProfilePic

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Fundraising? Remember - Investors want to say yes. But as a Founder, you’ve got 90 seconds to prove why they should.

I'll be unpacking this in The Only 5 Slides That Matter -
Thurs 9th @ Innovation Week Prague

🕐 13:00–13:45 | 📍 Startup Room.
#Fundraising #InnovationWeek

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Cautionary tale. Bought some AirPods on @vinted. All seemed legit, but sadly informed by the Apple Store they were fake. Contacted CS team straight away, and despite all their claims, appears they are happy to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Question - are pre-election polls indirect election interference? As an example, if a candidate is 10+’points ahead, does that promote apathy?

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

I just turned on Tips for my profile. Appreciate you. #SendTips

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Waiting for @LionelRichie to rock on stage at Broadlands. Many thanks to @skytv for the great tickets! Get entering those VIP Rewards!

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@LinkedInUK trying to purchase Navigator and keep getting a payment error? Tried 3 cards. Any thoughts?

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@gonsanchezs @gonsanchezs such a cool list. How do I get @justaccesshq on the list - Leeds company named winner of @TechNation #RisingStars yesterday morning?

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

We won - what amazing news! Thrilled and so proud of our little team!

[JUST: Access @justaccesshq]

We are a winner! Wow! Humbled. Thanks to all at @TechNation #RisingStars

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@THESTORMERS @londonirish Will be there with my son! Surreal

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@fredsirieix1 A couple of bottles of 2008 @ChateauPalmer which I would have opened in 2020 - no need to explain why I didn’t. Feels like this Xmas is going to special.

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

Wise words from @daraobriain

[Dara Ó Briain @daraobriain]

Here is my annual reminder that if Santa is bringing a games console, Santa might want to plug it in and turn it on and get all the updates done now, in advance, so that it is all ready to go on the big day.

[David Graham @DavidG_ZA]

@ctshirts quick tweet to highlight the exceptional service I received from your Milton Keynes store manager Sinead on Saturday. Wonderful to see customer service is still a priority for some high street brands! Please make a fuss - she thoroughly deserves it!