There’s often a HUGE gap between a startups “launch” video and what actually exists.. don’t believe everything you see on X. This gap and the amount of vaporware I see today even for “seed” startups is frankly disturbing. But it works - I’ve seen VCs send term sheets based on just one video and vibes. So as much as I think people are over the trend, it’ll continue till it works. And, with so much dry powder and seeds just being option calls, this can last a while.

Nov 9, 2025 · 1:16 AM UTC

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I’m human and I also get conflicted on this btw. I do believe the preseed / seed bet is primarily on the founders. So early traction and product is NOT indicative of long term quality or success. But if you’re going to misrepresent facts, then you’re an instant no for me.
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Replying to @nikunj
Every startup is selling a vision, not just current state. Jobs demoed vaporware iPhone features in 2007. Musk showed Cybertruck renders years before production. The issue isn't the gap between video and reality - it's whether founders can actually execute and close it. Isn't Early-stage investing has ALWAYS been about betting on potential, not finished products ?
There’s nuance for sure - wrote my thoughts here
Replying to @nikunj
I’m human and I also get conflicted on this btw. I do believe the preseed / seed bet is primarily on the founders. So early traction and product is NOT indicative of long term quality or success. But if you’re going to misrepresent facts, then you’re an instant no for me.
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Replying to @nikunj
spending 1 week on a launch video and flopping is better than spending 6 months building a product and flopping
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Replying to @nikunj
Curious how did you miss this yourself with @dedaluslabs
I played with and built a few things with Dedalus - clearly not vaporware. We put a small check in since we were very impressed with Cathy and Windsor. You may not like what they’re building and may not believe in the long term potential, but it clearly does work 🤷‍♂️
Replying to @nikunj
same as it ever was
I think because of incentives it’s getting worse
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Replying to @nikunj
We made the launch video AFTER shipping the product. Clearly we missed the memo 😅
Replying to @nikunj
this brings me back to this tweet:
Product momentum and narrative momentum are both crucial. It’s probably best to have narrative momentum a little bit ahead of product momentum but not so much that you’re creating a credibility gap. The opposite, product far ahead of narrative, creates a ‘best kept secret’ gap.
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Replying to @nikunj
This spoils Indian VCs the most. I see US startups spend $2000 on product video in pre seed & Indian investors terming that as reality. Raw, reality is often not shiny, but will compound.
Replying to @nikunj
VibeVC™
Replying to @nikunj
Investors can forward look, so the gap is acceptable for them. But as a consumer, i try not confused what looks cool vs what i need now
Replying to @nikunj
As long as it works, there's the risk of more founders falling into the trap that virality is the way.
Replying to @nikunj
VCs funding based on vibes? Classic. Maybe next they’ll invest in PowerPoint slides. Real products, anyone?
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Replying to @nikunj
Glad to hear…but it makes some sense. A good launch video helps others see the founders vision.
Replying to @nikunj
20% is demo 80% is shipping a product
Replying to @nikunj
GitHub 🍯
Replying to @nikunj
Garry coded tweet
Replying to @nikunj
Vaporware is the right word.
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Replying to @nikunj
Hey @nikunj, I need some grants
Replying to @nikunj
May be, but this is not a fake promise, this is a real product used by small business owners.