Netflix founder drops the best startup business advice, says 'No one can predict what will work'

Netflix CEO Marc Randolph has offered some crucial advice for startup founders navigating the tricky waters of fundraising.

He said founders should not focus only on whether they need money, but also look for other things that accepting investment will commit them to.

On X, Randolph said founders should not just ask, “Do I need money?” Instead, they must ask, “What does taking this money commit me to?” because investment comes with expectations and responsibilities.

“Because money isn't neutral. It comes with expectations—spoken and unspoken. It creates a burn rate. It invites opinions. It shifts your timeline from “whenever we figure this out” to “we need to show progress by the next board meeting,” he said.

In a recent social media post, Randolph spoke about a young founder who received an investment offer but wasn't sure if she needed it yet.

“Good terms. No strings. She could say yes today and have the money in her account by next week. So, what's the problem? The thing is, she wasn't sure she needed it yet,” he wrote.

A young founder called me the other week with what she thought was a dilemma.

Someone had offered to invest in her company.

Good terms. No strings. She could say yes today and have the money in her account by next week.

So what's the problem? The thing is, she wasn't sure she…

— Marc Randolph (@mbrandolph) November 3, 2025

“They had a runway. They were making progress,” he stated, adding that accepting investment could change the way they operate because they will now need to make decisions according to the investors.

“She was right to hesitate. But probably not for the reasons she thought. Most founders get this wrong about fundraising… they think it's a yes-or-no question,” he added.

But the real question should be: “What responsibilities, pressures, and changes will come with taking this money?”

Randolph said, “Even a SAFE has gravity.” He mentioned that once you accept an investment, you can't undo it, as investors expect progress, growth, or results on a certain timeline. So, you now have deadlines and pressure.

“You've given up equity that you'll never get back. You've brought someone into your journey who will be there—for better or worse—until an exit. Before you say yes, you need to know what you're really saying yes to,” he added.Read about our editorial guidelines and ethics policy