When a VC says no, you don’t have to freak out. Airbnb was rejected by more than 30 VC firms. Just keep at it. One of our HR tech clients went out to over 100 investors and got 98 rejections but got funding from the other two and is now at Series D. Conviction comes into play, and you stick to your process.

When you hear a No from an investor, it can be tempting just to move on. Instead, aim to obtain feedback. Ask them why they declined your pitch. Why or why not? Understanding their reasoning can help you generate new ideas as to how you might improve your pitch.

Listen to it – and if more than one investor echoes the same point, put it front and centre in your pitch. If multiple people are saying your market is too competitive, for example, explain how you’ll excel over the competition and adjust your deck accordingly. Better yet, compile supplemental materials to pre-empt the most common types of objections.

Lastly, always ask to stay in touch. Thank the investor for their time and feedback, and mention your interest in re-engaging with him or her down the line. Mention that you’d like to provide a quarterly update on your traction. This leaves the door open for potential future relationships.