[relaunched]

Shenanigans happen all the time. This is just one of many stories.

However, your ability to execute is the only thing that matters. This thing, whatever it was, isn't going to make or break your business. More importantly, it validates your space.

Move on and be a little more discerning and specific about what speculate meetings you take; maybe by filtering by who the person asking for the favor is - though it's shitty that it's positioned as a potential customer.