​Raising capital isn’t just about pitch decks and polish—it’s about power, positioning, and protecting what’s yours.

​In this no-BS masterclass, former venture capitalist Soma Pirityi is flipping the script. He’s bringing founders inside the investor mindset—and giving you the playbook to negotiate on your terms.

​If you’re a startup founder or CEO gearing up for your next raise (or still licking wounds from your last one), this is the session that could save your equity, your vision, and your sanity.

​You’ll leave with:

​A 360° understanding of what really matters in a term sheet
Forget the jargon. We’ll break down what each clause really means for your business in the long run, and how to assess a term sheet from the perspective of long-term control and upside.

​Proven negotiation tactics that shift power back to the founder
This isn’t theory. These are real-world, battle-tested tactics that have helped founders close better deals, set healthy boundaries with VCs, and retain more ownership.

​Scripts, strategies, and signals for spotting VC games
VCs have patterns—and once you see them, you can call them out, push back, or play them better. Learn how to read between the lines and make decisions from a place of strength, not fear.

​A toolkit to protect your cap table, your mission, and your control
No more giving away the farm. You’ll receive resources that help you preserve optionality, prepare for future rounds, and stay in control of the company you’ve built.

​The confidence to say no to bad deals—and attract better ones
It’s not just about walking away—it’s about creating deals that reflect your true value. Walk into your next pitch with a founder-first mindset that commands respect.

​What You’ll Learn (Deep Dive):

​Part 1: The Psychology of a Power Position
We’ll open with the invisible forces that shape every investor conversation—your energy, framing, and mindset.
You’ll learn:

• ​How to walk into the room with leverage, even with zero revenue

• ​Why tone and positioning matter more than your deck

• ​What’s really going on in a VC’s head during your pitch—and how to shift it in your favour

​Part 2: The Anatomy of a Term Sheet
This section is your insider’s lens. We’ll take you clause-by-clause through a real term sheet, decoding what each section means and how it impacts your future.
You’ll learn:

• ​How seemingly harmless clauses can cost you millions

• ​The differences between standard vs. sneaky terms

• ​How to know when to push back—and when to walk away

​Part 3: Negotiation Techniques for Founders
Negotiation is both art and science—and you’ll learn both.
You’ll leave with:

• ​Tactical phrases to slow things down, shift control, and reframe pressure

• ​Counter-scripts for founder-unfriendly terms

• ​How to use silence, ego management, and timing as strategic tools

​Part 4: How Founders Get Screwed – And How Not To
This is the brutal reality check every founder needs. From option pool shuffles to control rights hidden in fine print—we’ll expose how power is taken without you even realizing it.
You’ll learn:

• ​How to safeguard your team, your equity, and your mission

• ​What founder traps to avoid in early and late-stage deals

• ​The best practices for staying clean and confident through multiple funding rounds

​Bonus Materials Included:

​Every attendee (regardless of the tier) will receive a downloadable founder negotiation pack including:

• ​Negotiation Script Sheet
  Real examples of what to say in high-stakes investor conversations

• ​Red Flag Checklist
  Know what clauses, behaviours, and terms should raise alarms

• ​Liquidation Preference Calculator
  See the real-world impact of different preference structures on exits

• ​Term Sheet Scorecard
  A quick-reference tool to evaluate how founder-friendly any deal really is

​You’ll walk out sharper, bolder, and equipped with the knowledge to secure terms that actually serve you.

​Who is Soma Pirityi?

​Soma Pirityi is a former venture capitalist who has backed over 50 startups across the US and Europe. With years of experience negotiating deals, leading funding rounds, and navigating boardroom battles, Soma knows the VC world inside out. Now, as Founder & CEO of ETA Technologies, he’s building psychometric AI tools to assess team dynamics, founder psychology, and fundraising readiness, empowering founders to secure the right deals on the right terms.

​

​Agenda

​09:30 - 10:00: Arrivals & Networking

​Ease into the morning with coffee & connection

​10:00 - 12:30: Live Masterclass: How to Negotiate Like a Founder.

​12:30 - 13:00: End of event for Tier 1 & 2, Lunch break for Tier 3 attendees.

​13:00 - 17:00: Tier 3: Pitch Deck Reviews & Co-working.

​​Features at the event

​👶 Free Childcare Services by Em & Drew (please request on booking, Em & Drew will then contact you to discuss further plans). Kids age: 5/6 months - 7 years (Children between 7 - 10 years, we can, but need to review).

​​​🧠 Quiet Room

​​​✅ Safety Reporting Tool by Safespace Plus.

​👉 Spots are limited—sign up now.

​​​By joining the event, you’re allowing us to capture and share some of the great moments! Photos and videos taken may be used later to showcase our community and for marketing, helping us make future events even better.​​​​

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​​​​​What to sponsor the event and get exposure with hundreds of businesses? Please email fraya@rarefounders.com

​​​​A Huge Thanks to our Partners!

​​Childcare Partner

​​​Em & Drew will provide on-site pop-up childcare services during our event for free, creating inclusive environments where parents can focus and participate without the challenges of coordinating childcare. Their services offer a safe, nurturing space for children, allowing parents to engage, network, and thrive.

​Safety Partner

​​​Safespace Plus will help foster an environment of safety and empowerment with our Code of Conduct & incident reporting system, giving our attendees a secure platform to voice any concerns and ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

​Venue Partner

​​Runway East is a dynamic venue partner offering a variety of flexible event spaces across London and Bristol, ideal for meetings, workshops, and networking events. Their locations feature modern amenities such as AV equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site support, ensuring a seamless experience for hosts and attendees alike. Trusted by companies like Airbnb, Unilever, and Tech Nation, Runway East provides vibrant, well-connected spaces that foster creativity and collaboration.