What Investors Really Want From AI Founders
Episode description
Igor Taber has sat on both sides of the table: first as a VC at Intel Capital, then as an operator at high-growth AI startup DataRobot. Now, as co-founder of Cortical Ventures, he’s backing the next generation of AI-first startups.
In this episode, Igor shares how his operating experience reshaped his investment lens, what most VCs still miss about early-stage execution, and how founders can break through the AI noise to build something that actually lasts.
We also get into:
- What it really takes to build conviction at the seed stage
- How Cortical Ventures defines “defensibility” in AI
- The questions every founder should ask an investor (but usually doesn’t)
- Why your biggest advantage may not be your model — it’s your momentum
If you’re building in AI, fundraising, or trying to turn early traction into a long-term advantage, download this episode.
RUNTIME: 39:52 EPISODE BREAKDOWN(1:19) Igor: My investor-operator-investor path was “ a really interesting progression.”
(3:33) Previously, a lot of his opinions were rooted in the “VC echo chamber.”
(6:56) “ You just try to do your best to be a good partner and be helpful.”
(7:43) Why he and co-founder Jeremy Achin started Cortico.
(13:39) What makes an early-stage AI team stand out?
(17:15) When it comes to solo vs. team, “ we haven't seen any like material difference in outcome.”
(18:56) “ I think the biggest company on LinkedIn is called ‘Stealth.’”
(22:17) Why TAM isn’t a major consideration when evaluating new opportunities.
(24:18) His framework for evaluating and validating seed-stage startups.
(26:03) The biggest red flags in founder discovery meetings.
(28:21) Top mistakes founders make in the first year after closing a seed round.
(33:16) How Cortical advises AI founders to build more resilient companies.
(35:55) A few things to keep in mind before quitting a secure job to launch a startup.
(38:07) How to make yourself more investible in 2025.
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Thanks for listening!
– Walter.