Investor: So, tell me about this idea. Renting air mattresses in strangers' homes?

Investor: So, tell me about this idea. Renting air mattresses in strangers' homes?

Founder: Yeah. We help people rent out their spare rooms or even their entire homes to travelers. It’s a way to make extra money and create unique travel experiences.

Investor: Hmm. Sounds...interesting. But I don’t think there’s a big market for this. Best of luck, though.

Investor ghosted founder and never invested.

5 years later...

Investor: Hi, I saw that your company just went public. Congratulations. I remember you pitched this idea to me back in 2009.

Founder: Wait...aren’t you the investor who ghosted me?

Investor: ...Yeah, that was me.

Founder: Awkward silence.

True story between a partner at Sequoia Capital and Airbnb's Founder Chesky.

Moral of the story:

Investors will miss opportunities.

Founders will face rejection.

But one pitch could turn into a billion-dollar idea.

Approach founders with curiosity and an open mind. One day, you might have to explain why you said no to the next big thing.