🌱 Seed to Series A

👋 Hi there - it’s Egemen. Thanks for reading Scalable.

We often think Series A just being the next round after seed.

Well, data shows that it’s not actually that simple. These days, the gap between Seed and Series A is wide, and many startup founders feel stuck.

Investors want targeted, proven outcomes.

Here’s how to find your way around, and successfully fundraise without getting lost in the labels.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s on the menu today:

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🧠 Deep-Dive: Seed to Series A

I stumbled upon a Carta report, released earlier this year, and it isn’t as simple as just "following the Seed round."

I can confirm this has been the way it was with most of the startups I mentored this year.

The report shows that nearly half of all Seed rounds need bridge funding to keep going.

Investors now look for clear signals of growth and scalability before writing a check. If you’re not ready, you risk burning through more equity while staying in limbo.

Startups unable to progress are forced into bridge financing, often giving up 10-20% additional equity to stay afloat. This delay not only dilutes founders but also signals to investors that critical growth metrics or milestones remain unmet.

The decline in graduation rates (Seed to Series A) highlights the heightened scrutiny:

• In 2018, around 40% of Seed-funded startups reached Series A within two years.

• By 2022, this figure fell to 15%—a drastic drop reflecting higher investor expectations.

VCs aren’t just looking for revenue growth—they’re looking for proof of scalability, repeatability, and value delivery.

Startups must demonstrate that they’ve moved past experimentation and into execution mode. The three critical signals VCs now prioritize are:

1. Proof that customers derive real, measurable value.

2. A repeatable and scalable go-to-market process.

3. A defined customer segment with scalable potential.

👉 This shift means founders can’t rely on hype or broad traction anymore.

If these signals aren’t visible, startups are increasingly stuck in funding limbo, scrambling for bridge rounds. Investors want targeted, proven outcomes.

🎙️ Working on a startup? Grab some time with me.
Tell me what’s going well - or not so well. I’m here to help.

🗺️ Method: 3 Key Signals to Unlock Series A

Here below is an actionable checklist for you to go through, where I’m sharing 3 key signals you should abide by, so VCs will proceed things forward.

🙌 I hope this comes in handy for you when you need it - it’s yours!

⚾️ Catch

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