I’m often asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before someone shares a project with me. I’ve decided to explain here why I systematically refuse these requests.
First of all, a simple fact: I am not investing at the moment. I’m not actively looking to hear about new projects. In this context, asking for an NDA makes no sense—I won’t copy an idea, nor will I share it.
Even when I was actively investing, I never signed NDAs. The reason is obvious: I am a shareholder in hundreds of companies across extremely diverse sectors. By definition, there is always a chance that one of my portfolio companies is working on something similar. Signing an NDA would constantly expose me to unnecessary and unmanageable conflicts.
That doesn’t mean I lack discretion. On the contrary: I have never shared any information without permission. Trust has always been the foundation of my professional relationships.
But above all, one fundamental truth about entrepreneurship must be repeated: an idea is worth nothing; execution is everything. What makes the difference is not the concept, but the ability to recruit, execute, iterate, and persist over time. Believing that an NDA protects an idea is confusing a draft sketch with a finished masterpiece.
In short, I do not sign NDAs because:
- I am not currently investing.
- I am involved in too many companies to avoid overlaps.
- I naturally respect confidentiality.
- An idea only has value when it is executed.
If you want to share something with me, there’s no need for legal paperwork. What matters is a clear vision, strong energy, and ideally, some concrete achievements.
And if you have any doubts, don’t send me anything. But if you still decide to share an idea with me, please understand that I cannot be held responsible if, one day, one of my companies develops something similar. You can only be assured that it will have no connection whatsoever with the email you sent me.
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