Introduction

• Share your personal experience as a young founder receiving VC/media attention.

• Introduce the idea of the “founder trap”: the allure of external validation.

The Culture of VC and Media Attention

• How the startup ecosystem often prioritizes visibility over substance.

• Examples of how this culture impacts young founders in prestigious institutions.

The Impact of the Trap

• Share the pressures and unrealistic expectations that come with early attention.

• Discuss how this focus can distract from building a sustainable product or business.

Lessons for Founders

• The importance of tuning out the noise and focusing on building.

• Reflections on how you’ve navigated this trap in your own journey.