Episode 663: BRAVE: VC Term Sheets VS. Founder Control, Valuation Myths, Governance & Deal Failure - E663 - BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)

Jeremy Au breaks down how venture capital deals really close, why many fail after the term sheet, and how financial and control rights shape outcomes for founders and investors over a 10-year relationship. Drawing from real cases across Southeast Asia, he explains the hidden trade-offs behind valuation, governance, and trust, and why “good economics” can still destroy long-term value if handled poorly.

01:00 Due Diligence and Deal Risk: How reference checks, audits, and legal reviews can still miss fraud and derail trust.

03:30 Trust as a 10-Year Decision: Why fundraising is not just about price, but about choosing a long-term partner.

04:45 Valuation Disputes and Ego: How founders and VCs clash over worth, and why bad negotiations quietly kill companies.

09:00 Valuation vs. Hidden Clauses: How high headline valuations are offset by liquidation preferences and anti-dilution terms.

15:30 Exploding Term Sheets and Founder Regret: A case where aggressive terms improved investor economics but destroyed founder trust.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/power-plays-in-fundraising

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