What does it really take to invest in “hilariously early” startups? In a wide-ranging conversation on The Undefeated Underdogs podcast, @ericbahn, co-founder and General Partner at @HustleFundVC, explains how investing in nascent founders often means moving faster than the market itself: “When you’re starting a VC fund, there is one big element of stress that you don’t have to worry about: product‑market fit. VC is a pretty established concept at this point”. That clarity allows him to focus on where it counts, which is unfiltered hustle. But what does hustle truly mean? In Hustle Fund’s blog, he defines it as “great execution meets high velocity,” pointing to exceptional productivity, rapid learning, and relentless focus on metrics. It’s a mindset born from his days at @facebook and @instagram, where building, shipping, and learning at 10× speed became non-negotiable. That same ethos fuels his investments in startups like @webflow and Rupa Health. He recently shared a founder-friendly pitch tip in Hustle Fund’s Uncapped Notes blog: “Speak only of pleasantries” when presenting to VCs, meaning lead with clarity and relevance, not data dumps. This advice comes from personal experience: his first startup was rejected over 100 times before winning non-dilutive funding, a reminder that timing and clarity matter more than polish. At Responsive 2025, Eric will showcase this founder-forward investing lens in our Funders’ Fishbowl, alongside VC leaders @VirginieRaphael and Danielle Strachman. It’s a live, rotating format where candor matters, and audience members can join the conversation. Expect real stories, rapid insights, and hard-learned wisdom on what it truly takes to support startups in today’s fast‑moving world. If you’re navigating early funding, scaling a startup, or just curious about how VC really works, this session offers a front-row view into founding, funding, and forging ahead in an industry that demands hustle. Don’t miss it.