[Virtual] The Investor Mindset: What VCs Want w/ Collin Wallace

What do venture capitalists really look for when deciding whether to back a startup? In this workshop, Collin Wallace, Partner at Lobby Capital, former Managing Director of Techstars Silicon Valley, and serial founder with two exits, will break down the investor mindset from both sides of the table. Drawing from 20+ years as an engineer, inventor, operator, and investor, Collin will share how VCs evaluate opportunities, what signals matter most, and how founders can position themselves for success. Collin has invested in over 80 early-stage companies across marketplaces, AI, developer tools, and the future of work, after founding and exiting multiple ventures (including FanGo, acquired by Grubhub, and ZeroStorefront, acquired by Thanx). He also co-teaches Startup Garage at Stanford GSB, giving him a unique perspective at the intersection of founder experience, investor expectations, and startup education. Founders will walk away with insider insight into: How VCs source, filter, and evaluate dealsThe patterns and red flags investors watch forPractical strategies to strengthen your pitch and fundraising readiness