Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

I help founders raise capital with pitch decks, business plans, grant proposals, financial models & memos | Pitch reviewer @TechCrunch x @TechCabal wa.me/+2348027612790 Remote Joined April 2019

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 days ago

If you want to raise $1m, start with: “I’m raising $1m.” Not: “I’m trying to raise $1m.” Why? Because we humans are wired to prove ourselves right. Start bold. Aim high. You can always adjust the route. #startup

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 weeks ago

Becoming a “unicorn” isn’t a realistic (or smart) goal for every startup. You can build a winner sustainably, bootstrapped, crowdfunded, slowly, and so many other ways. Don’t be afraid to take the path less traveled by. It could make all the difference. #startup

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

a month ago

Most founders don’t fail because of competition. They fail because they’d rather play startup than run a business.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

a month ago

65% of startups FAIL due to co-founder conflict. NOT product. NOT funding. NOT even competition Most failures aren’t about money, market, or code. They’re two misaligned egos nuking the whole mission. And nobody wants to talk about that.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

a month ago

Most founders don’t negotiate. They’re grateful for the term sheet. Afraid to lose the deal. Scared to seem “difficult.” But here’s what VCs won’t tell you: → The best terms aren’t offered. → They’re earned, by asking.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

2 months ago

You don't need a 35-page pitch deck to tell your story. ♻ #investor #pitch #capitalraising #investment #startup #pitchdeck

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

2 months ago

Hi @grok according to your analysis, name 10 accounts in sequence who frequently visit my profile. Don't mention the person, just @.username and the rate of number of times periodically they visit my profile.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

2 months ago

Startups don’t die when they run out of money. They die when the founder runs out of patience. Markets open. Products evolve. But only if you’re still around. Survival is a moat. #startups #perseverance #founderlife #buildinpublic

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 months ago

Startup founders, If your startup is still in "stealth mode" after 2 years. It’s not stealth. It’s just dead.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 months ago

Being “in due diligence” sounds promising. But don’t confuse interest with intent. – Some VCs enter DD to learn – To stay close – Or even to learn Don’t slow down. Don’t stop pitching. Until the wire hits, keep moving. #Fundraising #Startups #VC #DueDiligence #FounderTips

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 months ago

Helped 3 startups raise $8.2M with pitch decks. What worked: - Clear problem-solution fit w/ data - Emotional founder story - Traction (graphs, LOIs) - Visuals over text (10-12 slides) - Answer tough Qs upfront $3.5M Series A, $2.7M seed, $2M pre-seed closed. #startup

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 months ago

70% of my business comes through referrals. That's not a statistic I'm trying to change. It means I'm delivering value that clients want to share. The strongest growth isn't paid for. It's earned.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 months ago

“We’re not raising right now” Is one of the strongest things a founder can say, when it’s true. It flips the energy. Because nothing creates interest like something that’s not for sale. VCs chase momentum. But they respect founders who build first, raise later. #Startups

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

3 months ago

Just because something worked in Europe doesn’t mean it’ll work in Nigeria. Copy-paste entrepreneurship is killing innovation in Africa. Stop importing ideas. Start exporting results. You want to build in Africa? → Test locally → Solve real African problems ✌️

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 months ago

Here’s one question every founder should ask in a VC meeting: “When was the last time you actually invested?” It’s not rude. It’s clarity. Some VCs say “yes” just to get inside your data room, not to commit, just to watch. If they hesitate or dodge, that’s your answer.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 months ago

Dear Founders, Tech is overhyped. You don’t need to be a tech startup. Don’t feel the pressure to be what you’re not. It’s like me pretending to be Denzel Washington. Sure, we’re both sexy men. 😎 But still…not the same.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 months ago

Not every term sheet is a win. Sometimes, the smartest move is to walk. If a VC asks for 30% ownership in your pre-seed, That’s not partnership. That’s control. The earlier you walk, the stronger you look. Founders don’t just raise, they choose. #Founders #VC #Fundraising

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 months ago

Founder: "check out my pitch deck!" The pitch deck:

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 months ago

Telling one VC about another’s VC interest can quietly kill your round. You think it signals momentum. But it can do the opposite. - It pressures others to wait and see - It kills urgency and leverage Show traction, not your target list. Protect the deal before it forms.

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Yusuf, MBA @Up____Lift

4 months ago

Your pitch doesn’t end when the meeting does. VCs watch how you follow up. - Clear, timely replies - Smart, momentum-building updates - Signals of leadership, not desperation Your follow-up is part of the due diligence. Act like someone they’d trust with $1M. #StartupTips