If it is true that...

Good investors don't lead startups on; their reputations are too valuable

and

Associates at VC firms regularly cold email startups, but an associate is not a VC and they have no decision-making power

Then it must be true that...

Always know where you stand with an investor by looking at their actions rather than their words

If it is true that...

Before talking to investors, startups need to be introduced to them

and

Treat investors as saying no until they unequivocally say yes, in the form of a definite offer with no contingencies

and

Always know where you stand with an investor by looking at their actions rather than their words

Then it must be true that...

It's not a deal until the money is in the bank

If it is true that...

Always know where you stand with an investor by looking at their actions rather than their words

Then it must be true that...

It's not a deal until the money is in the bank