What Investors Really Want From AI Founders

Igor Taber has sat on both sides of the table: first as a VC at Intel Capital, then as an operator at high-growth AI startup DataRobot. Now, as co-founder of Cortical Ventures, he’s backing the next generation of AI-first startups.

In this episode, Igor shares how his operating experience reshaped his investment lens, what most VCs still miss about early-stage execution, and how founders can break through the AI noise to build something that actually lasts.

We also get into:

• What it really takes to build conviction at the seed stage
• How Cortical Ventures defines “defensibility” in AI
• The questions every founder should ask an investor (but usually doesn’t)
• Why your biggest advantage may not be your model — it’s your momentum

If you’re building in AI, fundraising, or trying to turn early traction into a long-term advantage, download this episode.

RUNTIME: 39:52

EPISODE BREAKDOWN

(1:19) Igor: My investor-operator-investor path was “ a really interesting progression.”

(3:33) Previously, a lot of his opinions were rooted in the “VC echo chamber.”

(6:56) “ You just try to do your best to be a good partner and be helpful.”

(7:43) Why he and co-founder Jeremy Achin started Cortico.

(13:39) What makes an early-stage AI team stand out?

(17:15) When it comes to solo vs. team, “ we haven't seen any like material difference in outcome.”

(18:56) “ I think the biggest company on LinkedIn is called ‘Stealth.’”

(22:17) Why TAM isn’t a major consideration when evaluating new opportunities.

(24:18) His framework for evaluating and validating seed-stage startups.

(26:03) The biggest red flags in founder discovery meetings.

(28:21) Top mistakes founders make in the first year after closing a seed round.

(33:16) How Cortical advises AI founders to build more resilient companies.

(35:55) A few things to keep in mind before quitting a secure job to launch a startup.

(38:07) How to make yourself more investible in 2025.

LINKS

Igor Tabor

Jeremy Achin

Cortical Ventures

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Thanks for listening!

 

– Walter.