Tech • IA • Crypto
Eric Larchevêque recounts the most absurd pitch he was ever given | Tony Parker Nathan Pissaro
4/10TL;DR
Experienced investors receive dozens of startup pitches monthly but prioritize execution, trusted networks, and founder quality over raw ideas.
KEY POINTS
High volume of startup pitches
Prominent investors report receiving large volumes of unsolicited startup proposals, sometimes close to 100 pitches per month before filtering systems were introduced. Many of these are incomplete, informal, or lack structured business plans. The sheer volume makes it impractical to evaluate every opportunity, leading to stricter screening and reduced accessibility through open channels.
“Secret billion-dollar idea” as a red flag
A recurring pattern among amateur founders involves claims of a “revolutionary” idea worth billions that cannot be disclosed without a confidentiality agreement. This behavior is widely seen as a warning sign. In one case, the concealed concept involved adding fans to electric cars to recharge batteries—an idea that fails basic thermodynamic principles, illustrating the gap between perceived and actual innovation.
Ideas vs execution
Investors consistently emphasize that ideas alone have no value. What matters is execution: the ability to solve a real problem, build a viable product, and scale effectively. Founders who focus solely on the originality of their idea without demonstrating operational capability are unlikely to attract serious backing.
Shift toward curated deal flow
Rather than relying on cold outreach, many investors now depend on trusted networks, teams, and intermediaries to source opportunities. Initial screening is often delegated to analysts or partners, with senior investors joining only after multiple validation stages. High-quality deals rarely emerge from unsolicited messages on platforms like LinkedIn or email.
Typical investment process and ticket sizes
Investment approaches vary, but early-stage checks can range widely, sometimes starting around €10,000 and scaling depending on conviction and opportunity. Decisions typically follow several meetings and internal reviews, reinforcing the importance of preparation and credibility from founders.
The central role of founder quality
At early stages, investors prioritize the person behind the project over the business itself. Key traits include resilience, clarity under pressure, humility, and structured thinking. In later-stage investments such as private equity, financial performance and metrics become more dominant, though leadership still matters.
Networking: useful but not essential
While networks significantly improve access to opportunities, success without a strong network is considered possible, especially with modern digital tools. However, a toxic or unproductive network can hinder progress, making it preferable to operate independently rather than maintain harmful connections.
Reputation as long-term capital
Professional reputation—built through discipline, reliability, and consistent performance—can sustain opportunities long after an active career ends. Strong reputations enable continued access to partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities, sometimes years after initial success.
Sports-business crossover and NBA expansion
The NBA’s ambitions in Europe highlight growing intersections between sports and business. Efforts are underway to explore collaboration or alignment with the EuroLeague, with influential figures acting as intermediaries. The NBA’s global brand strength positions it as a potential driver of growth in European basketball.
Victor Wembanyama and French basketball momentum
Victor Wembanyama is widely regarded as a generational talent with the potential to become one of the greatest players of all time. France currently has over 20 players in the NBA, making it the most represented European country. This momentum reflects years of development and international influence.
The challenge of maintaining authentic networks
Building strong relationships requires time and authenticity rather than transactional interactions. Attempts to leverage false associations or claim proximity to influential figures are common but rarely effective. Genuine trust and direct communication remain the most reliable foundations for long-term collaboration.
CONCLUSION
Startup investing increasingly favors execution, trusted relationships, and founder quality over bold but unproven ideas, while reputation and network dynamics continue to shape access to the best opportunities.