Insights
The pressure becomes invisible the moment you're congratulated
They're not celebrating writing the check. They're nervous.
Leo Judkins, Founder, The iGaming LeaderEveryone in the room was celebrating. Daniel Graetzer had just raised at a $250 million valuation.
Champagne. Congratulations. You've made it.
He hadn't made it. The clock had just started.
“They're not celebrating writing the check. They're nervous. They cut the check and the nerves start.”
The investors go home anxious. The founder goes home alone with the number.
Every month after that: where's my money going. How's it doing. When's the next deal.
The milestone the room celebrates is the moment the pressure becomes invisible to everyone except you.
That's what Dan told me on the podcast. Ex-CEO of MaximBet. Built to a $250M valuation. Raised from serious money. Then watched it unwind in real time.
You can hear the full conversation on his episode of the iGaming Leader podcast.