Discrimination means unfair treatment or exclusion based on characteristics such as race, sex, age, or sexual orientation. During fundraising, it can appear in investor behavior, so founders should pay attention to the room—not just the pitch. section 7.2
Practical advice for handling possible discrimination:
- Notice the vibe and any strong negative signal connected to identity. section 7.2
- Stay polite, make your exit, and cross that investor off your list when the signal is clear. section 7.2
The meeting that ended at slide two
An experienced Black sales executive prepared to become a startup’s permanent CEO began pitching a Boston venture-capital partner. After reaching slide two, the partner abruptly left for an allegedly important call and did not return within the promised time. The encounter illustrates why founders must treat discriminatory investor behavior as a serious fundraising risk. section 7.2
