Experience is a powerful teacher—and when it comes to raising capital, it can be a very expensive one.
I’ve raised hundreds of millions now, but I still remember the early days: spinning my wheels, chasing the wrong people, and learning things the hard way.
If I were starting over, here are 4 mistakes I’d avoid at all costs—and what I’d do instead.
Mistake #1: Chasing Every Investor
I used to think more conversations = more capital. So I pitched anyone who would listen.
What actually happened?
I wasted time. I got burned. And I closed less.
The real shift came when I stopped trying to impress everyone—and started filtering for the right fit.
What I’d Do Instead:
Get clear on who your ideal investor is
Prioritize shared values, not just available capital
Spend more time nurturing fewer, better-aligned relationships
The truth: Not all money is good money. Raise from people you want on your cap table for the next 10 years—not the next 10 minutes.
Experience is a powerful teacher—and when it comes to raising capital, it can be a very expensive one.
I’ve raised hundreds of millions now, but I still remember the early days: spinning my wheels, chasing the wrong people, and learning things the hard way.
If I were starting over, here are 4 mistakes I’d avoid at all costs—and what I’d do instead.
Mistake #1: Chasing Every Investor
I used to think more conversations = more capital. So I pitched anyone who would listen.
What actually happened?
I wasted time. I got burned. And I closed less.
The real shift came when I stopped trying to impress everyone—and started filtering for the right fit.
What I’d Do Instead:
Get clear on who your ideal investor is
Prioritize shared values, not just available capital
Spend more time nurturing fewer, better-aligned relationships
The truth: Not all money is good money. Raise from people you want on your cap table for the next 10 years—not the next 10 minutes.
Mistake #4: Underestimating the ROI of Self-Investment
In the beginning, I thought working harder would solve everything.
So I skipped books, courses, coaching, mentorship. It felt like a distraction.
Looking back, I realize I delayed my growth by years.
What I’d Do Instead:
Surround myself with people who’ve done what I want to do
Invest early in mentorship, masterminds, and high-level training
Prioritize mindset, health, and environment—because those are the real multipliers
The truth: Your income rarely outpaces your identity. Invest in the version of you that can handle 10x the capital you’re managing today.
The information contained herein is for general guidance on matters of interest only. This information contained herein is not intended to provide you with any advice on financial planning, investment, insurance, legal, accounting, tax or similar matters and should not be relied upon for such purposes. Marcin Drozdz, M1 Real Capital Inc are not financial, legal or tax advisers. You should assess whether you require such advisers and additional information and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice. You understand this to be an expression of opinions and not professional advice. You are solely responsible for any actions you take with the content and hold Marcin Drozdz and M1 Real Capital Inc or any of it’s affiliates harmless in any event or claim.
