Investment Climate Podcast: Jake Berber of Prefer, How to Get Funded in 2025

In this episode of the Investment Climate Podcast, host Alex Shandrovsky interviews Jake Berber, the co-founder and CEO of Prefer. Jake discusses the successful fundraising playbook he used to secure an oversubscribed $4.2M pre-A round for Prefer, a company that aims to future-proof climate-threatened crops such as coffee and cocoa. He shares insights on building a transparent non-NDA data room, leveraging warm introductions, and overcoming skepticism during the fundraising process. With a conversion rate of only 1.5%, Jake emphasizes the importance of resilience and volume in reaching out to potential investors.

Key highlights from the episode include Jake's emphasis on the importance of warm introductions in fundraising, as well as his strategy of radical transparency in the data room to accelerate diligence. Despite facing challenges in the current climate tech market, Jake's candid lessons provide valuable insights for founders looking to secure funding in 2025. The episode offers a glimpse into the tactical nuances of fundraising and showcases the determination needed to succeed in the competitive investment landscape.