How I got $100K off a single deck building Lunair (solo founder)
I became among the first solo-founders in my country to receive official funding from a VC.
How?
I've spent the last decade running Guyman Studio (animation/design - 5,000+ projects).
And now, I'm building an AI explainer video platform that turns a prompt into explainer video (Lunair AI)
A few weeks ago, before I had an MVP, a major VC committed $100K based on one deck and a short meeting.
I thought I'd share what I think made them choose me, beyond my idea.
Here's what I believe tipped the decision:
I understand what actually works: After creating thousands of explainer videos, I can tell the difference between what clients think they need and what they really need.
I know the market inside and out: when companies invest in video, what budgets look like, and why they sometimes won't pay for it.
Direct line to customers: I have a network of founders and marketers who'll give me honest feedback, so I can learn and iterate in days instead of months.
I know the competition: who's capturing market share, what they deliver and what they don't.
I'm a builder at heart: Been writing code since I was 14 - creating products is what I love doing.
I'm running a successful business: Years of successfully operating a studio taught me the fundamentals.
I believe all these pieces connected and formed the profile of a good founder in their eyes.
My key takeaway - it wasn't forced.
Given recent developments in technology, my experience and passion, this product is only natural for me to build, and I believe that's what the VC saw and felt.
So, my take - don't build just for building, don't force a product or hunt for an idea.
Try to keep your mind open for ideas that land on you naturally.
Try to find a natural connection to it.
Do you have a similar experience of being able to raise funds based on a deck?
If so, why do you think your investors latched onto?
Replies
Incredible achievement bro 🔥. Especially considering getting a funding without the MVP or the real users. This actually made me think my decisions because I always feel like before applying or going to high investments, I need to have actual users that use and trust my product which I believe makes my hand stronger in the meetings. However, seeing this post, it inspired me 🤣. How did you manage to get that, is it your deck? (If so I would love to get some recommendations on how to prepare it) Or is it the experience and social skills that convinced them? Thanks in advance!
@yagiz_basaran TBH, it was a special program targeted at solo founders. The investment isn't that big, so I think the starting point can be lower, as I mentioned. I believe the deck was also good, but what matters most is that I knew what I was talking about. I didn't try to force anything - it all felt very natural to me and I believe they just felt that and trusted me and my skills. The idea and its necessity are there, plus I have the relevant experience to solve it.
Creatium
Congrats Guy!! Love your website. It sounds like you're a video man, so I'd love to know what you think about our tool that just launched today: Creatium which helps people create interactive online video lessons. Do let me know what you think.
This is such a great breakdown, Guy! What really stands out is how deep domain expertise, a clear understanding of the market, and a proven track record can make investors trust you even before an MVP exists.
I’ve seen similar patterns with early-stage founders: it’s not just the deck, it’s the story of why you are the person to build this product. When experience, passion, and network align, investors sense authenticity and capability.
Curious question for the community: For those who’ve raised on just a deck or pre-MVP, what do you think was the single biggest factor that made investors say “yes”?
Amazing ! raising $100K on a deck as a solo founder is a huge step. It is clear that the funding didn’t come just from the idea, but from the credibility and depth of experience you brought into the room. VCs clearly bet on the founder as much as the product. Thanks for sharing your experience in detail. I joined the waitlist. Looking forward to testing the app :)