In this episode of ELI, we're joined by Harsh Gupta, a Principal at Flourish Ventures, a leading early-stage global VC firm. Harsh shares his insights on the world of venture capital, offering a comprehensive guide for startup founders on the fundraising process.We delve into:- Harsh's journey from a finance professional to a VC.- The investment thesis of Flourish Ventures and their focus on fintech.- How VCs discover and evaluate startups.- The nuances of negotiation and valuation in a funding round.- The role of a VC post-investment and the support they provide to their portfolio companies.- The impact of PR and media in the startup ecosystem.This masterclass is a must-watch for any entrepreneur looking to understand the VC mindset and navigate the fundraising landscape successfully.About the Guest:Harsh Gupta is a Principal at Flourish Ventures, a global fintech fund with a purpose to improve the financial health of retail customers and small businesses. He has extensive experience in venture debt and equity investing, having worked with companies across various sectors and stages.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:38 - Harsh Gupta's Journey to Venture Capital08:28 - About Flourish Ventures11:15 - Why FinTech?14:44 - Should a Founder Raise Funds?18:41 - How VCs Discover Companies25:55 - How VCs Shortlist Startups30:41 - Leveraging Technology in VC34:59 - The Negotiation Process39:18 - Post-Investment Engagement43:51 - The Role of PR in the Startup Ecosystem50:00 - Conclusion