Interested in what VCs won’t say…? We’re lucky to have a Venture Capitalist who’s willing to tell you

I think I first encountered Clarence Bethea on Clubhouse during the pandemic. Remember Clubhouse…? This was a regular scheduled “pitch practice” sort of thing. Where folks would take the opportunity to practice their pitch in front of a rotating group of VCs and mentors. And one of those folks was Clarence.

Even then, his candor was striking. No small talk. No subtext. Just straightforward — often painful — advice. Week after week after week.

So when I heard that Clarence — who was now at True Ventures — was coming to town to have an intimate conversation with a variety of folks from the Portland startup community, I jumped at the chance to attend. And it was well worth it.

Now, Clarence is considering coming back to Portland. And you now have the chance to be part of it.

Clarence Bethea isn’t giving you theory, he’s lived it.

After facing 153 rejections before his first “yes,” he went on to raise more than $30M, scale his company, and exit in 2023. Along the way, he’s coached founders who have collectively raised over $100M in venture capital. As a former investor at a Tier 1 venture capital firm managing over $4.5B in assets and now an advisor to founders, Clarence understands what investors look for and what it takes to get a deal done.

Fundraising is one of those things that founders tend to learn the hard way. Usually in a room, in real time, with the stakes about as high as they get. So Clarence figured he’d try to make that a little less mysterious.

On Thursday, October 8, What VCs Won’t Say is bringing its Investor Ready Workshop to Portland — and Silicon Florist is co-hosting, alongside our friends at Vanport Studio. Which means we’re the ones filling the room. So please consider this your invitation to join us for an evening of learning about VC.

This is not your typical pitch workshop. It’s a hands-on, practical session designed to help founders master the room, the pitch, and the psychology of fundraising. You’ll get an inside look at how investors actually think, what makes a pitch stand out, and the things founders often don’t hear until it’s too late. And the best part? You’ll actually get to practice.

Again, this is all Clarence — founder of Upsie (raised $30M+, exited in 2023) and a former investor and executive-in-residence at True Ventures. He’s seen the fundraising conversation from both sides of the table. And he’s going to give you the straight story.

The workshop runs 4:00–9:00PM on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Instrument, 2035 NW Front Ave, in Portland. It’s $34 per person. (And if that’s preventing you from attending, we’ll figure out a way to get you in the room.) That includes lunch and lifetime access to the “What VCs Won’t Say” course. It’s easily a $399 value for a fraction of that cost. And seats are limited. (And if you’re interested in helping to sponsor, please hit me up.)

For more information or to register, visit the Investor Ready Workshop.

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