Date: 2026-08-20 Source: Email - michael@ryevalley.co to John Cowgill (john@costanoa.vc), subject “Chat Follow Ups!” Prior context: John Cowgill (Costanoa VC) and Michael Houck, Costanoa Ventures BD: Michael Replied to Intro
Signal
Michael delivered on his post-call action item: sent John the TLDR, package options, and an anonymous VC client case study.
Key offer detail: 1 post/week (reduced volume) at $1,995/mo (half the typical package rate). Standard package price implied at roughly $4K/mo.
Also included anonymous VC client metrics (unnamed, shared with permission):
- Personal X: 10M impressions + 205k followers in under 18 months
- Firm X: 300k impressions + 4k followers, 10k LinkedIn followers
- Second partner (6 months): 350k impressions, 3.6k followers
Flagged JOLT as a separate product for portco video work; linked a Ben Gusberg case study.
Mentioned wanting to connect with Taylor (Costanoa in-house marketer) as John offered to facilitate.
Status
Offer sent. Ball in John’s court to engage Taylor and respond to pricing.
Update - 2026-08-26
John Cowgill replied (Aug 25 evening) and made the Taylor Bernal intro: “Adding +Taylor here. Would love for you guys to chat as a first step. Will let you find time!” Taylor Bernal is Costanoa’s in-house marketer (taylor@costanoa.vc).
Michael replied: confirmed he is “in transit for family stuff” rest of this week but “much more flexible next week.” Ball is now in Taylor’s court to schedule.
Stage: intro to decision-maker completed. Meeting expected week of 2026-08-31.
Update - 2026-08-28 (email)
Taylor Bernal responded with specific availability for the week of 2026-08-31:
- Wednesday 9/2: flexible except 2:30-3:30pm
- Thursday 9/3: flexible before 3pm
- Friday 9/4: fairly flexible (offered week of 9/7 as fallback)
Michael has not yet replied to confirm a time. Action needed: Michael to book the intro call with Taylor this week.
Stage: awaiting Michael’s reply to confirm a slot.
Watch
- Michael confirms meeting slot with Taylor for week of 9/2
- Does pricing hold at $1,995/mo or get renegotiated with Taylor involved?
- 3-month minimum maintained in the smaller package?
- Co-investment deal: Michael mentioned sending a deal he is evaluating