The Power of an Honest “No”. Why Startups Need to Hear Rejections Fast

We’re used to thinking that success in fundraising means getting a “yes.” But in reality, something else is far more important — how quickly you get a “no.”

A startup runs on very limited resources. And the most scarce of them all is time. Every day of delay is a day that doesn’t move you closer to your goal.

One of the key lessons founders learn from talking to investors in Silicon Valley:
Don’t fear rejection — fear silence.

What’s wrong with a polite “let us think about it”?

Alexey Ivanenko, a founder with a $100M exit, shares:

“We spoke with hundreds of investors. And I realized one simple thing:
If someone doesn’t say ‘yes’ within a couple of days — it’s most likely a ‘no.’ Just without the wording.”

You write, follow up, resend the deck.
And in response — silence, or something polite like:
– “Interesting. Let’s stay in touch.”
– “We need to discuss it internally.”
– “Send over your financial model, we’ll think it over.”

It doesn’t sound bad. But it’s not good either.

Meanwhile, while you wait for that “maybe”:

• You’re not talking to people who are actually ready to invest
• You lose focus
• You start doubting yourself and your project

An honest “no” is a gift

Because it:

• Frees you
• Allows you to move forward
• Shows that you did your part — and now it’s time to continue
• Speeds up the process of finding the right investor

“The best answer is ‘yes.’The second-best is ‘no.’ The worst is silence.”

What to do about it

1. Simplify the communication.
Be clear in the meeting:

“If you’re not ready to move forward, that’s totally okay.
I’d rather hear a clear no than get stuck in follow-ups.”

2. Don’t be afraid to lose.
If an investor is truly interested — you’ll know.
If not — you’ll save your energy and focus for someone who’s the right fit.

3. Build a process.
Talk to dozens of investors in parallel. Don’t wait for one response.
Fundraising is not a drama. It’s a funnel.

Why it works differently in the Valley

Because here:

• There’s a high density of funds
• Intense competition for deals
• And respect for other people’s time

“Out of 300 investors we spoke to, 90% gave us an answer within a week.
‘Yes’ or ‘no.’ Not ‘let’s maybe talk later…’”

Here, they understand:
Better an honest “no” now, than a burned-out founder three months later.

Want to learn how to talk to investors with confidence and clarity — without burning out?

At the San Francisco Innovation Hub bootcamp:

• You’ll learn how to build relationships with angels and VCs
  
• You’ll uncover weak points in your pitch
  
• You’ll get real feedback from those who’ve been there
  

And most importantly — you’ll stop being afraid of the word “no.”
Because it’s what frees you up for the right “yes.”

Stay tuned for updates and join the next bootcamp!