EP 76: What VC Look For in Early Stage Startups with Dave Lambert Right Side Capital Management

Wondering what VCs look for in early-stage startups? In this episode, Dave Lambert, Managing Partner at Right Side Capital Management, shares insights on how to get funding for a tech startup, the importance of technical co-founders, and how to raise pre-seed capital while keeping control of your business.

With over 2,000 investments, Dave reveals the fundraising strategies that work in 2025, common mistakes founders make, and why capital efficiency matters more than high valuations. 

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Raising capital? 

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Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: 

https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode76&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast

IN THIS EPISODE

[00:00] Dave Lambert from Right Side Capital Management and Early-Stage Startup Investing

[02:15] What VCs Look for in Early-Stage Startups

[07:34] Fund Size and Unique Approach

[15:40] Valuation Trends and Market Dynamics

[07:34] RightSide Capital’s Unique Investment Strategy & Fund Size

[15:40] Startup Valuation Trends & Market Changes|

[17:29] AI’s Impact on Early-Stage Startup Investments

[20:42] Fundraising Challenges & How Founders Can Overcome Them

[27:36] Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping: Choosing the Right Path

[29:04] The Role of Transparent Communication in Startup Fundraising

[31:18] How CEOs Should Manage Investor & Board Relations

[36:13] How to Provide Investor Updates That Build Trust

[43:36] Why Low Cash Burn is Critical for Early-Stage Startups

[45:33] The Future of Early-Stage Venture Capital & Startup Funding

[49:42] How to Connect with Dave Lambert 

ABOUT DAVE LAMBERT

Dave Lambert is the Founder and Managing Partner of Right Side Capital Management (RSCM), a venture firm specializing in early-stage startup investing. With over 2,000 investments, RSCM focuses on capital-efficient tech startups, making fast investment decisions at valuations under $4M.

A former exited founder, Dave brings decades of experience in startup growth, fundraising strategies, and pre-seed investing.

Connect with Dave:

Right Side Capital Management Website: https://www.rightsidecapital.com/

Dave Lambert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlambert55/

ABOUT JASON

Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.

You can reach out to Jason through:

Email: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: jasonrkirby

ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED

Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the f