What Makes Founders Succeed (And Why Most Get It Wrong)

What separates the 5% who actually raise capital from the rest who never make it past the pitch? In this episode, we go deep into the truth behind startup success — and it's not just about having a great idea.

We talk about the hidden cost of lazy fundraising, the myth of the perfect pitch, and how obsession, focus, and hustle play a much bigger role than most people admit. You’ll hear raw stories about rejection, team dynamics, culture-building, and the dark side of startup life. We also explore how AI is changing fundraising forever, and why generosity might be the founder's most underrated trait.

Tune in if you want to raise better, lead smarter, and build with clarity in a world full of noise. This one’s for every founder trying to make it — and willing to do the real work.

Key Topics:

• Why most founders fail to raise capital
• The role of hustle and momentum in successful fundraising
• How the best founders build trust and relationships
• What AI is changing in the future of fundraising
• The personal toll and mindset behind founder life

Quote From The Episode:

"You’re not trying to convince people — it’s a search for believers."

- Nathan Beckord

Timestamp:

[01:10] Only 5% Raise Startup Capital—What’s the Brutal Truth Behind the Rest?

[12:10] Why Most Founders Flop at Fundraising—And What the Winners Quietly Do Differently

[20:16] Broken Pitch Decks, Lazy Hustlers, and the Cold Reality No One Tells Founders

[31:45] Startup Victory Formula: Is It Hustle, Heart, or Ruthless Focus That Actually Wins?

[41:05] Obsessed vs. Average: The Psychology of Founders Who Actually Raise Capital

[52:00] What It Really Takes to Build Something Big—And Why Most Can’t Handle It

[1:04:00] The Grit Factor: Why Some Founders Build Empires and Others Just Burn Out

[1:11:11] Too Young to Go Big? Why Betting Early Might Be Your Boldest—and Smartest—Move

[1:15:45] Outro

Connect with - Nathan Beckord:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nathanbeckord

Websites - fundingstack.com blog.foundersuite.com youtube.com/@Foundersuite/videos

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence