This VC’s best advice for building a founding team | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Maggie Nye

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Building a strong founding team is one of the most critical decisions for early-stage startups, as it shapes company culture and sets precedents that are hard to change later. On this episode of *Build Mode*, Yuri Sagalov, managing director at General Catalyst and an experienced startup founder and investor, shares his insights on hiring, equity splits, and investor relationships. Sagalov emphasizes the importance of attracting investors who add value beyond their financial contributions—such as those who help with recruiting, strategy, and market entry—and advises founders to avoid micromanagers who overstep and disrupt the process. Sagalov also highlights the need for clear equity structures among co-founders. He suggests creating a slight differentiation in shares to resolve potential deadlocks and recommends fairness that reflects future contributions rather than just initial ideas. Founders should ensure early hires are mission-driven, willing to take risks, and aligned with the company’s long-term vision. This approach builds trust and fosters a culture of commitment. Founders should also be cautious about investor types, prioritizing those who offer mentorship and support over those who only provide capital or interfere excessively in operations. Sagalov advises founders to engage with portfolio companies and other founders to assess an investor’s track record and reliability during challenging times. By focusing on these strategies, early-stage startups can build resilient teams and partnerships that drive sustainable growth. This episode underscores the importance of thoughtful decision-making in the early stages of a startup. For tech enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs, understanding how to assemble a team, structure equity, and choose the right investors can make or break a company’s success. Sagalov’s advice offers practical steps for founders to navigate these critical decisions with confidence and clarity.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026