Every year, we survey.as many venture-backed startup founders as possible to figure out what it's like to run a technology company right now. This year, we got more responses than ever before —869— giving us aneven more precise pulse on what entrepreneurs think, feel, fear, and value. As we have since 2015, we're excited to present the results here — starting with the trendsand insights that stood out as important or counterintuitive. This year, we asked about everything ranging from the fundraising environmentto politics, as well as perspectives on sexual harassment and diversity and inclusion. AtFirst Round, whenever we ask founders what data they most want and need, they almost always say the same thing: they want to know what other entrepreneursare thinking and doing (and whether what they're doing is nomal orin line with their peers). To answer these questions, we're pleased to publish the industry's largest set of data specific to the founder and startup experience — we hope you find it informative and insightful.Ad | er rd