Just a reminder to all entrepreneurs out there to never, ever pay fees to pitch. Jason Calacanis said it best: https://calacanis.com/2009/10/09/why-startups-shouldnt-have-to-pay-to-pitch-angel-investors/. Additionally, any entrepreneur who accepts to pay a fee normalizes the practice, making it harder for those who are earlier in their startup journey.

It's in investors' best interest to condemn the practice as well. It severs the trust between entrepreneurs and investors--big time. It makes bootstrapping a much more enviable path by comparison.

Shape your business so that funding is a plus rather than a need if you can, know your worth, and stand up with your fellow entrepreneurs when faced with such inappropriate requests.