A recent social media post by founder Bilal Farooqui has sparked discussion within the startup ecosystem, outlining distinct characteristics that separate "best" investors from "mid" investors. Farooqui's tweet, shared on May 7, 2026, highlighted crucial communication and engagement practices that significantly impact founders seeking funding and partnership. The post provides a founder-centric perspective on effective venture capital interactions.
Farooqui characterized "best investors" by their proactive and transparent communication. According to the tweet, these investors "> respond to cold emails, write pass emails, don't ghost, lead rounds independently." This approach emphasizes clear, timely feedback and a willingness to take a principal role in funding rounds, offering stability and direction to nascent companies.
Conversely, "mid investors" were described with practices that often frustrate founders and delay funding processes. Farooqui stated that these investors "> ghost then reappear when a tier 1 leads, ignore cold emails, ask you to find a lead, tell you 'its too early'." Such behaviors can create uncertainty and prolong the fundraising journey for startups, highlighting a lack of commitment or clear decision-making.
Bilal Farooqui is the co-founder and CEO of Kaito, an AI-powered search engine for crypto, and is currently the founder and CEO of Sunny Health AI. He is also an angel investor and a Y Combinator alum, lending significant weight to his observations from both sides of the funding table. His insights resonate with many founders who navigate the often opaque world of venture capital, where communication and clear expectations are highly valued.
The tweet underscores a broader industry conversation about investor accountability and the importance of professional conduct in venture capital. Transparent communication, whether a positive response or a clear pass, is increasingly seen as a baseline expectation. The ability to independently lead rounds also signals confidence and a strong commitment, which are critical for early-stage companies.
