After 10 years in the VC industry, I've had the unique opportunity to work with founders who have not only raised hundreds of millions of dollars, I've also seen founders reach and sell for $bns.

Whilst all of these founders have different personalities, they all possess similar traits that have made them successful. If I realized one thing about being a venture capitalist, is that these patterns emerge for a reason, and every single investor is looking for these patterns within you to.

Here are the 4 top things I learnt from all of them.

1. They are Driven by a Massive Purpose and Future

The most successful founders possess a limitless vision. They are not deterred by skepticism or the label of being 'crazy.' Instead, they embrace it. Their ability to inspire and lead stems from a deep understanding of their 'why' – the purpose that drives their venture. This unwavering belief in their mission to change the world is a common trait among these high-achieving entrepreneurs.

Embracing Visionary Thinking

These founders stand out for their skill in storytelling, rallying everyone around them to join in their extraordinary journey. Their success is not just in building a business but in creating movements that reshape industries.

A great example of this was with Steven Mendel at ManyPets. When he came to us he had a wavering vision of where his company was going and what that world would look like. He's getting ever so closer to it happening, and the company is already worth $3bn+ and growing.

2. They Have a Growth Mindset

A key characteristic of these founders is their growth mindset. They acknowledge their imperfections and are constantly learning and evolving. This mindset includes:

• High self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
• A relentless curiosity and commitment to learning
• Determination to achieve their goals

Continuous Improvement

Their approach reassures investors like myself that they are capable of adapting and growing, essential qualities for a successful CEO.

A great example was Yusuf, CEO of QuitGenius/Pelago who I led an investment into their Series A round. This was his first company but he showed to us how much he had grown and what he still needed help with. Not many founders possessed that type of self-awareness and growth. He's now become one of the best and most successful healthtech founders in the UK/US.

3. They LOVED Their Customers

An often-overlooked aspect is the founders' genuine care for their customers. These successful entrepreneurs are deeply invested in understanding and satisfying their customers' needs. They engage in frequent interactions with their customers, more than any other stakeholder, demonstrating a true passion for customer satisfaction.

Customer Obsession

This obsession with customer needs and experiences is a significant differentiator, contributing to the development of products and services that truly resonate with their target market.

I remember speaking to a fintech CEO who we led an investment into in 2019. He spent ~40% of his time speaking to his customers and you could see why. He knew them inside out and it showed with how great the product was doing. This company is now worth $1bn and growing.

4. They Knew Their Worth

The most successful founders understand their crucial role in their company's success. While they recognize the importance of investors, they maintain confidence in their own ability to execute and achieve their vision. This self-awareness and confidence are vital in the dynamic landscape of startups.

Balancing Investor Relations

They approach investor relationships with a sense of partnership rather than dependency, ensuring a healthy balance of power and respect in these crucial relationships. I see too many founders who treat investors as the prize. You give all the power to investors and treat them like royalty. This approach is not effective and makes investors like you less. You have to show them what makes you great. 

Alex Chestermann, who has built mutliple unicorns and also companies such as LoveFilm which sold to netflix, has always known his worth. In fact, for his last company Cazoo, he sent us a term sheet! We signed it within 2days.

Conclusion

Remember, investors are searching for patterns in founders while simultaneously trying to identify the best ones. The four points mentioned above are the common traits I have observed in every successful founder I have encountered or had the opportunity to collaborate with.