Get unfiltered insights on entrepreneurship and startup fundraising from 6x founder Shay Houser. In this raw interview, Shay shares lessons learned from his extreme highs and lows over 20+ years building tech startups.He explains why many founders are underprepared for institutional VC money and how it can be a "curse" if taken too early. Shay stresses the importance of founder-investor fit, realistic capital planning, and building an empowering startup culture.Other topics include:- Shay's winding journey from military college to VC- Why you shouldn't blindly pursue brands like YC or a16z- How to clearly communicate your startup's vision and needs to investors- Shocking data on low unicorn success rates - even for top accelerators- The redemptive story of Shay's addiction, recovery, and finding purposeThis unfiltered founder interview is a must-listen for anyone in the startup world. Shay Houser offers hard-earned lessons for fundraising, leadership, culture, and maintaining perspective.✨ ???? ??????????✨➟Prodcircle channel: ?https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCun-R2Je_ABAael-6W12psA? ????? ?????????? ?Welcome to Prodcircle, the podcast for entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital!In each episode, Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Podcaster, and angel investor Mudassir has conversations with top VCs, founders of unicorn startups, and angel investors around fundraising, building successful startups, mental health, and startup challenges.Whether you're just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey or you're a seasoned founder, Prodcircle has something for everyone. You'll learn from the best in the business and get the insights you need to succeed.Why subscribe to Prodcircle?1. Prodcircle features interviews with top VCs, founders of unicorn startups, and angel investors.2. You'll learn the latest trends and best practices in venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship.3. Prodcircle will inspire you to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.Subscribe to Prodcircle today and start building the company of your dreams!? ??????? ???? ????????? YouTube Channel -  @prodcircleHQ    ? Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ? Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq? Website - https://prodcircle.com/? Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/????? ????? & ??????????Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast?????? ? ??????If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416????? ?? ?????You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in ?Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.??????? ????????fundraising challengesentrepreneurial lessonsstartup fundraising insightsshay houser interviewstartup fundraisinghard lessons on startup fundraising6X founder shay houserConnect with Mudassir ? YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ ? Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ? Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq? Website - https://prodcircle.com/? Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/