Carlos Espinal

seed-stage investor @seedcamp | author of the book | podcasting at -

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

Excited to launch the updated Fundraising Field Guide! A must-have for first-time founders navigating the complex fundraising world. 🚀 Charts post-pandemic changes, offers practical guidance, and helps you find the right partner for your journey! - https://t.co/GxKNIFwWfh

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

5/ None means much alone. Read together, they show who is worth your time. Updated guide and template:https://t.co/hbBFWOTXxC

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

1/ Investors reaching out before you raise is flattering, but an inbound message tells you less than it seems. I've updated my 2019 fundraising pipeline post and template to help separate real interest from FOMO.

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

4/ Fit: are you actually what they invest in? Funds often come in early to avoid missing out, then pass because it's too early for them, after taking a fair bit of your time.

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

@EdgarVisi @seedcamp @VisionariesVC Back then, clearly we saw the Edgar of today and decided the world needed him more than we did.

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

@ivanfarneti Appreciate your mentorship over all these years Ivan!

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

Today we closed Fund VII and Nation II. $320M.
The number isn't the point. The point is: first checks that scare most investors, backed by the network and lessons that matter when things get hard.
Our own founders are investing alongside us. That says everything.

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

@mr_james_c thank you!

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

This is a masterclass in articulating the groupthink trap. @adamshuaib nails the nuance here; it’s a universal risk, but one that VC is particularly susceptible to. Great thread.

[Adam Shuaib @adamshuaib]

https://t.co/OP4kZgAHtt

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

https://t.co/0ncGwUaJEq

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

The craft of cold outreach for founders: study prospects, send concise value-first messages, and follow up courteously to build real connections and unlock opportunities. https://t.co/0ncGwUaJEq

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

Keeping investors updated is a fantastic way to engage your biggest advocates. Crafting these communications can be tough. We previously shared the PPP method, and to make things easier, check out the PPP generator: https://t.co/E21zS7YfZv

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

AI integration is more about people than tech. While big companies invest in AI, true productivity needs use by everyone. James Kuht MBE of Pair highlights that the key is aligning AI with team workflows. Discover how to turn AI trials into real success.

https://t.co/sk0kij2Stg

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

@theyashbalani 100%

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

A friend said something that’s been stuck in my head: faster companies can take slower companies’ customers simply by showing up when everyone else slows down. I wrote up what it means for mindset and operational cadence. Read more:
https://t.co/vKDFDgsqfq

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

https://t.co/NEBlArmH4D

AI rollout, start with the work.
Ladder: Automate → Illuminate → Advise → Act
Loop each rung: Discover → Specify → Ready → Deploy
Not everything climbs.
Skip the loop and the ladder becomes a slide.

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

Trust is eroding. Capital is rerouting.

Some industries thrive on openness. Others thrive on verification, enforcement, and control. Venture adapts accordingly.

The real risk is mistaking a moment for a permanent shift. I unpack that tension here 👇

https://t.co/93mpKJAafz

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

At the start of the year, we adjust our approach before things pick up pace. The format changes, but the aim remains the same. Internally, it has a practical name, but I call it the Lasagna Meeting. What we create in December often clarifies in January.

https://t.co/1zetfpVOBz

[Carlos Espinal @cee]

Clicks aren’t traction and “work about work” isn’t progress. Just published an updated guide on how founders should structure weekly investor reports. Worth a read if you send updates.

https://t.co/6wWtkSfDiV

@seedcamp