With Q3 behind us, the headlines continue to be pessimistic—but Steve Lord,  Burkland's COO and Head of Knowledge Share, says the story is more complicated and less alarming.

Steve joins us at the close of each quarter for an update on the startup ecosystem. This quarterly episode is another must-listen, providing a much-needed reality check, insights into the current state of the economy, and guidance on what founders need to know about the venture capital landscape as we approach the end of 2025.

We cover:

• The real story behind the Fed’s recent rate cut—and what’s next
• Why the U.S. economy is stronger than headlines suggest
• The lagging impact of interest rates and tariffs
• What founders should NOT do in this fundraising environment
• Smart bets for raising capital right now
• How to adapt your pitch deck to today’s market realities

Don’t buy into the hype that venture is broken. Steve reminds us that this industry is inherently cyclical. What feels like a slowdown today is part of a larger pattern. Founders who recognize macro trends, prepare early for their next raise, and aren’t afraid to communicate with their investors will be best positioned for the upswing ahead.

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Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!
Learn more about Burkland at burklandassociates.com.