The #1 Habit that Predicts Founder Success with TX Zhuo Artwork

Demo Day Podcast

Demo Day is the podcast for founders, venture capitalists, and anyone who wants to learn more about the top accelerator, incubator, and VC programs across the country. Come hear the top venture capitalists and founders in the game discuss what it takes to go from seed to exit.

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The #1 Habit that Predicts Founder Success with TX Zhuo

April 21, 2025 • CoEfficient Labs • Season 5 • Episode 3

What’s the one trait that separates successful startups from the rest?

According to TX Zhuo—Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Fika Ventures—it’s not pedigree, pitch decks, or market size. It’s founder responsiveness. In this episode of Demo Day, TX reveals the surprising results of a study across 94 portfolio companies, and why the speed of your email replies might be a signal of much more than just efficiency.

Sean Goldfaden sits down with TX to talk about:

- How TX turned personal tragedy into a multimillion-dollar startup
- His transition from founder to VC at Fika Ventures
- How to stand out in a crowded pitch meeting
- The biggest green (and red) flags investors look for
- What most first-time fund managers get wrong
- The real story behind raising Fika’s first fund—with over 700 meetings
- Why radical focus and honest mentorship are keys to success

Whether you're a founder preparing for your next raise, or an emerging VC building your first fund, this conversation is packed with real talk and practical advice.