By Krish Chopra, Co-Founder & CEO, NPHub
How it Started: Solving a Real Healthcare Problem
When I first stepped on the Venture Atlanta stage in 2023, pitching NPHub, I was focused on solving a real, systemic problem: nurse practitioner students couldn’t find reliable clinical placements. It was an overlooked issue in healthcare education, and we were ready to tackle it.
Fast forward to June 2025: we closed our Series A investment funding led by Edison Partners, having grown NPHub into a 70-person, globally distributed team. We’ve helped over 8,500 NPs complete their clinicals faster, launch careers, and improve healthcare delivery across the U.S.
Venture Atlanta was the inflection point. It put us in front of the right investors, helped us sharpen our message, and accelerated our credibility in the eyes of the venture capital world. It’s not an exaggeration to say that without it, we wouldn’t have raised $20M in venture capital funding or built a category-defining company this fast.
Now, as we prepare to return for our third Venture Atlanta, I want to share my biggest founder fundraising lessons and what I wish I’d known about the Series A investment process.
6 Things I Learned While Raising Series A Funding
1. Investment Bankers Are Your Friends
Some founders see bankers as middlemen. I used to think that, too. But the right one becomes your coach, translator, and occasionally therapist. They help you reframe your story in terms investors care about. That’s gold when you’re juggling growth metrics, go-to-market chaos, and team scaling.
For us, our banker was a force multiplier, especially during diligence. They helped reduce stress, accelerate communication, and bring structure to what could have been a messy process.
2. Nail Your Data Before You Go Under LOI
If you’re serious about raising capital for your startup, don’t wait to build a data room. You don’t want to be scrambling for metrics or documentation when a hot investor asks, “Do you have your CAC calculations for the past 2 years by quarter?” A complete, up-to-date data room buys you speed and creates a tremendous amount of credibility.
It sends a signal: we know our numbers, and we run a tight ship.
3. A Term Sheet Isn’t the Finish Line
Getting a term sheet can feel like winning. It’s not. It’s the beginning of business diligence, legal reviews, Q of E, and intense planning. We worked seven days a week for weeks to keep momentum alive. One missed weekend response could delay or derail the process.
If you want to close, speed matters. And it’s on you.
4. FOMO Works—But Composure Closes
Yes, you want multiple funds circling your deal. But more important is how you show up. Calm, focused leadership builds trust. I’ve heard it firsthand from investors: nothing is more confidence-inspiring than hitting your forecast during diligence.
The truth is, investors back teams, especially at the Series A level. Chemistry, maturity, and execution matter as much as metrics.
5. Know Who Can Say No
Investor relations is a chess game. Many folks you meet at startup pitch events aren’t decision-makers. So ask early, “Who else should I speak with on your team?” or “Who’s the partner on this deal?”
If you haven’t spoken with a partner by the third call, your odds of closing are slim. Focus your energy where it counts.
How to Maximize Venture Atlanta for Raising Series A Fundraising
Send Two People
Raising Series A funding is a team sport. I brought our COO and CTO to year one because they were great in the room. One of us handled surface-level convos, the other went deep. Divide and conquer, then sync every night to identify serious leads. Remember, momentum is key.
Study the Fund’s Thesis Before You Pitch
Even the best pitch will fall flat if you’re off-thesis. Ask: “What’s your typical check size, stage, and target company profile?” If you’re not a match, move on. Time is precious.
Start Networking Early
Weeks before Venture Atlanta, I messaged investors on LinkedIn: “Hey, will you be at Venture Atlanta? Would love to connect.” These lightweight messages turned into longer lunches and warm intros during the event. Don’t wait until the conference to network. You’ll be behind before you start.
Final Thoughts On Raising Series A Funding
I’ll be honest, raising our Series A funding was one of the hardest things I’ve done as a founder. It was brutal, but it forced me to mature as a CEO.
There’s no perfect roadmap to raising capital for startups, but there are proven paths. Venture Atlanta was ours.
"Attending Venture Atlanta was a game-changer. In year one, we were selected as a growth stage company to present on stage, and as a result, we were able to introduce ourselves to almost every major investor in the Southeast. The coaching was incredibly helpful, and the access to investors and other entrepreneurs in one centralized location allowed us to maximize networking. This is the premier event for technology companies in the Southeast."
— Krish Chopra, Co-Founder/CEO at NPHub
Apply to Venture Atlanta today, even if you’re on the fence. And, if you’re serious about fundraising, there’s no better training ground for the Series A investment process. The window’s still open, but you need to bring your A-game. I’ll see you there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare a startup for Series A fundraising?
Start by tightening your financials, building a data room, and developing a clear investor narrative. Know your KPIs and how they map to investor expectations.
Why should startups attend Venture Atlanta?
It’s one of the best events in the Southeast for investor networking strategies. You get stage time, feedback, exposure, and invaluable access—all in one place.
How important is an investment banker during fundraising?
Critical. A good banker can add clarity, momentum, and structure to the process, especially for first-time founders.
