What does it really take to launch a successful startup and secure venture capital in today's competitive landscape? In this episode of The Josh Lustig Podcast, Travis Hawkes—lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of Idaho-based VC firm Capital Eleven—pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and gritty realities of building businesses from the ground up.With over 70 startup investments under his belt, Travis shares how he’s helping grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Boise and beyond, why grit matters more than a perfect pitch deck, and what most founders get wrong when raising money from investors.You’ll hear how early failures—including a spa franchise inside Walmart—helped shape his approach to leadership, company culture, and long-term growth. Plus, he breaks down what venture capitalists are really looking for in a startup: strong teams, coachability, and the ability to execute under pressure.Whether you’re a first-time founder, aspiring investor, or just trying to build a meaningful career in business—this episode delivers practical insights on startup funding, resilience, and what it means to be a modern entrepreneur.https://www.instagram.com/tbhawkes/

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