In this episode of Syntax, Wes interviews Dan Levine, a VC at Excel, about how developers can navigate the world of raising money for their projects. Dan shares his background, Excel's investment history, and his investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of the team and the market. He discusses different funding rounds, the criteria he uses to evaluate companies, and the level of involvement VCs typically have with their investments. Dan also addresses common misconceptions about venture capital, the impact of AI on productivity, and provides advice for developers looking to secure funding.