Mark Bugas

Still early, but will be cheering you on from the sidelines

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Sorry for the delay - been heads down.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

"We're not a mattress company. We're a vertically integrated sleep wellness platform."

[Rob Go @robgo]

It's kind of comical to think that 10 years ago VC's thought that selling mattresses and luggage online was innovation.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

@kushalbyatnal Hard to automate a cocktail

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Every deck ever made: sent in advance of the call
Every investor who ever lived: “I skimmed it, but assume I know nothing.”

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

The most polite meetings are the least decisive.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

The meeting usually ends before the meeting ends.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

“Give me a few days to digest” is rarely about digestion.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Most “quick chats” are neither.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

People nod for very different reasons.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Silence is also feedback.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Yet most people will just talk faster once they sense it. Instead, try this: pause, call out their lack of attention or interest, and offer to end the meeting to save both of your time. I can guarantee you'll get better results vs. droning on.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

You can feel when a meeting already has an answer.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Interest is common. Decisions are rare.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

The meeting tone shifts when the laptop opens / screen is shared.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

Urgency is rarely mutual

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

“I’d love to get your thoughts” usually has slides.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

When it comes to venture capital, conviction travels in packs.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

@lennysan @lessin Networking events hit different when you’re not bracing for a pitch

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

@buccocapital Easy money delayed hard decisions.

[Mark Bugas @SoftCircleVC]

“Really interesting” is doing a lot of work in fundraising.