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Davis: Founders fighting during pitch meetings is a frequent red flag

Mark Peter Davis · 20 VC 008: Startup 101 with Mark Peter Davis · Jan 28, 2015 · at 10:36

Mark Peter Davis, founder of Interplay Ventures and author of 'The Fundraising Rules', shares common behavioral red flags during investor pitch meetings.

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“So I'll add one thing that's an easy one that you'd be surprised how often it happens, is founders fighting during the meeting.”

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