A year ago, hi-tech founders could raise large sums easily on an idea or a pitch deck. Since mid-2022 the picture has changed: rising interest rates, falling markets and the situation in Israel have made fundraising far harder, especially for first-timers. In this climate, careful, disciplined conduct from day one is critical. Partners Mordehay (Moti) Malca, Miriam Zaltzman and Aviv Halperin of the S. Horowitz hi-tech department lay out seven practical tips – from SAFE agreements and a clean cap table, through protecting IP and structuring investor relations, to the Israel-or-Delaware incorporation question and preparing for a rainy day.