Just a reminder to all entrepreneurs out there to never, ever pay fees to pitch. Jason Calacanis said it best: https://calacanis.com/2009/10/09/why-startups-shouldnt-have-to-pay-to-pitch-angel-investors/. Additionally, any entrepreneur who accepts to pay a fee normalizes the practice, making it harder for those who are earlier in their startup journey.<p>It's in investors' best interest to condemn the practice as well. It severs the trust between entrepreneurs and investors--big time. It makes bootstrapping a much more enviable path by comparison.<p>Shape your business so that funding is a plus rather than a need if you can, know your worth, and stand up with your fellow entrepreneurs when faced with such inappropriate requests.