I would also invest 100k-1mi in a company that's growing 10% month-to-month and had 10k+ paying users.
No companies in such position should need to raise that amount money. It's not completely useless, but: you can't hire talented developers with it, you could spend cash with office and 'stuff'... My point is, if you are profitable, raise 20mi, 10mi. 100k won't make much difference.
Maybe you want to work specifically with Ferriss, but the truth is, profitable startups are in high demand (because there are none) and they are the ones choosing partners.
I don't think these kinds of startups would work with Tim for the money. They'd work with Tim because he'd turbocharge their growth. Tim is a better partner than the vast majority (maybe all) of the other VCs chasing these fast growing startups. Tim can offer money and massive exposure. Other VCs offer just money. Take your pick.
This is why he wants to preferrably be first money in. It's smart. He needs to be careful though. If he does this and a high valuation is had for future money but the company doesn't do well, then VCs will be cautious of future hype.
Maybe it came out undervaluing Tim's help (which is worth much more than 100k), we share the exact the same opinion. I'm sure that with Tim's help, any startup would get a huge investment within weeks.
No companies in such position should need to raise that amount money. It's not completely useless, but: you can't hire talented developers with it, you could spend cash with office and 'stuff'... My point is, if you are profitable, raise 20mi, 10mi. 100k won't make much difference.
Maybe you want to work specifically with Ferriss, but the truth is, profitable startups are in high demand (because there are none) and they are the ones choosing partners.