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    About this Episode

    In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, join host Karen Rands as she delves into the intricate world of business valuation with esteemed guest Gregg Ficery, President of Integgra Valuation & Advisory Services. Valuing private companies, particularly startups and pre-revenue ventures, is a complex challenge that demands careful consideration. Gregg's vast experience in business valuation sheds light on this critical aspect of entrepreneurship.

    Episode Highlights:

    The Complexity of Valuation: Valuating a private company involves a labyrinth of considerations, especially for startups and those yet to generate revenue. Getting it wrong at the start can seriously hamper a founder's ability to raise capital during their seed round.  Hence the reason so many startups use convertible notes and SAFE Notes.

    Factors Influencing Valuation: The calculation of a company's valuation isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. Multiple factors, from industry trends and market conditions to growth potential and competition, play significant roles in determining a company's worth.

    Diverse Reasons for Valuation: Companies require valuations for various reasons beyond the traditional fundraising and exit strategies. Gregg  sheds light on how valuation influences stock option pricing, mergers and acquisitions, legal disputes, and the reasons to not think you are one and done. 

    Best Practices: The SCORE Method: Gregg introduces the SCORE method, a robust framework that combines data-driven insights with industry-specific factors. The method helps establish a more objective valuation by considering factors like stage of development, market size, competition, and funding needs.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Valuing startups and pre-revenue companies is a complex task requiring nuanced approaches.
    2. Industry trends, competition, growth potential, and even tax implications contribute to the intricate valuation process.
    3. Business valuation serves various purposes througought the lifecycle of a company, from fundraising to legal disputes to exiting 'rich'.
    4. The SCORE method offers a comprehensive and data-informed approach to determine a company's value.
    5. Flexibility and adaptability are key when dealing with ever-changing valuation factors.

    Join Karen Rands and Gregg Ficery in this enlightening episode as they unpack the challenges, strategies, and methodologies involved in calculating the valuation of private companies. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business enthusiast, this episode provides invaluable insights into a crucial aspect of the business world.

    Stick to the end to hear about Gregg's passion project who took family history folklore turned sports historian to sleuth uncovering one of the greatest unsolved mysteries with his book GRIDIRON LEGACY  http:gridironlegacy.com

    Gregg Ficery is the President of Integgra Valuation & Advisory Services, which he founded in 2011. He has over 20 years of business valuation consulting experience and has valued nearly 1,000 private companies. He also has over ten years of industry experience in the technology, telecommunications, and financial services sectors in finance, accounting, and corporate development roles.  For more information about Gregg Ficery and Integgra Valuation & Advisory Services, visit http://www.integgra.com.
    Gregg offers the value of an experienced 3rd party professional to calculate a company's valuation at a fixed price. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is your go-to resource for insightful discussions on all things entrepreneurship. Tune in regularly to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic landscape of business and innovation - creating wealth as founders, and investors in those private innovative entrepreneur endeavor.

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

     

    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.

    http://dothedeal.org

     

    Recent Episodes from The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ with Karen Rands

    Building a $10 Million Legacy: Rashaun Williams’ Approach to Smart Investing

    Building a $10 Million Legacy: Rashaun Williams’ Approach to Smart Investing

    Join your host Karen Rands and distinguished guest Rashaun Williams as they explore the depths of strategic investing, the importance of financial literacy, and the nuanced role financial advisors play in wealth accumulation.🏦💼

    Rashaun Williams, a seasoned investor with a wealth of experience from Wall Street to venture capital, shares his insights and groundbreaking strategies that propel success in the private and public markets.

    In this compelling episode, Rashaun shares 4 aspects of wealth creation and the American spirit that give him hope. Along the way, we delve into:

    $ The transformative approach to investing for future generations, as showcased by Rashaun's methodical plan for his daughter's UGMA account.

    $ The key differences between Financial Advisors, RIAs and brokers, why their strategies work for the majority of Americans, yet is rarely the full scope of potential investment offerings and strategies that could meet your specific goals. Hence, why Rashaun likens himself to a nutritionist in the financial advisory landscape.

    $ An honest exploration of the "buy, borrow, die" strategy that enables wealth preservation and tax efficiency – with practical examples from Rashaun's own investment portfolio and wealth creation strategy.

    $ Rashaun shares why investing in private companies as an angel investor is more predictable than investing in public stocks, even though they have good fundamentals, and specifically crypto, which is all technical and transactional, with no fundamental value.

    🔑 3 Key Takeaways for Investors and Financial Enthusiasts:

    ➡️* Startups & Funding: Karen delves into the challenges startups face in securing funding, offering pearls of wisdom for companies seeking alternative routes. Rashaun expands on this, sharing why understanding the opportunity for wealth creation by investing in private companies has led to his accumulation of $Millions in wealth.

    ➡️*Wealth Strategy Insights: Get a peek into the playbook of the affluent and how understanding market mechanics can aid in tax avoidance and business acquisition.

    ➡️*Long-term Commitment:** Learn about a father’s strategy to ensure generational wealth through consistent, calculated investment in his child’s future.

    Rashaun Williams is the founding partner and managing director of Antimatter Business Partners. ABP is one of the largest business management firms in the country empowering business partnerships for modern athletes. https://www.antimatterbp.com/

    Additionally, Rashaun is a General Partner - Manhattan Venture Partners. a late state venture capital firm in the tech sector. MVP is in their 4th fund. He is a frequent guest on national broadcast finance and business media outlets.

    This is Rashaun's second appearance on The Compassionate Capitalist Show, and the only podcast that he has joined to share his keen insights and experience.

    To listen to the first podcast interview visit: "From Wall Street to Late Stage Angel Investing: A Roadmap for Predictable Returns" with Rashaun Williams RSS: https://CompassionateCapitalistShow.libsyn.com/from-wall-street-to-late-stage-angel-investing-a-roadmap-for-predictable-returns-with-rashawn-williams.

    Or find it on your preferred podcast platform at http://bit.ly/linkCCS It was rebroadcasted on Nov 14, 2023.

    Subscribe to the CCS Podcast for a wealth of knowledge that enriches your perspective on investment and fosters growth in your financial journey!📈

    Tag someone who could benefit from these insights, share with your community, or if you've got a story to share about your investment path, we'd love to hear it in the comments!👇

    #Podcast #InvestmentStrategies #FinancialLiteracy #GenerationalWealth #VentureCapital #PrivateEquity #FinancialAdvising #RashaunWilliams #KarenRands #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Entrepreneurship #Startups #BusinessInvesting #AngelInvesting #WealthCreation #DiversifyYourPortfolio #taxstrategies #antimatter #manhattanventurepartners

    Karen Rands, the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the Best Seller, Inside Secrets to Angel Investing, is an authority on creating financial success through successfully informing the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors together in the name of Compassionate Capitalism! Visit http://InsideSecretsToAngelInvesting.com

    Want to learn about Angel / Crowdfund Investing like Karen and Rashaun talk about?

    Visit http://DotheDeal.org to take your first step and register for the preeminent digital course that teaches the fundamentals of investing in startups and growth stage small businesses for Passion, Purpose, and Profit. With your purchase of the book, you get access to Karen's resource portal for investors.

     

    From Bankruptcy to Innovation Success: Howard Chang's Entrepreneurial Journey

    From Bankruptcy to Innovation Success: Howard Chang's Entrepreneurial Journey

    Don't Miss Howard Chang, CEO of JustBoardrooms and Chairman of theturnlab, as he brings a wealth of entrepreneurial insights and Angel Investor Strategies to the Compassionate Capitalist Show Audience.  From his poignant personal experiences with bankruptcy and overcoming cancer to his innovative solution for underutilized real estate with Just Boardrooms, Howard's journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Host Karen Rands digs into Howard's wealth of knowledge, exploring the increasing need for collaboration spaces, the challenges of remote work, and the importance of truly understanding your market fit. You won't want to miss Howard's candid discussion about the hardships he's faced, including personal tragedy, and his strategies for resilience. Together, Karen and Howard offer an enlightening dialogue on maintaining a successful business, the integral role of cash flow management, and the advantages of being a B Corp in today's marketplace. Tune in for an episode brimming with invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and a gripping story of adversity, recovery, and triumph.

    5 Insights You Will Gain:

    1. The Art of Storytelling in Branding
    - The struggle that major companies face in crafting a consistent narrative
    - Utilizing unused boardrooms for nurturing in-person collaborations post-Covid

    2. The Journey of Just Boardrooms
    - How Just Boardrooms emerged to address the lack of collaboration spaces
    - Plans for expansion and success in 250 locations in 55 markets

    3. Investment, Growth, and Resilience
    - Howard's shift from self-funding to seeking an angel round of funding
    - His emphasis on resilience through personal and professional setbacks

    4. Cash Flow and Startup Success
    - The importance of cash reserves and strategic debt financing
    - Choosing the right investors and understanding the comprehensive business ecosystem

    5. B Corp Values and Sustainable Business
    - Integration of social values into the corporate culture for a sustainable future
    - The increasing consumer appeal and economic advantages of B Corporations

    Be sure to listen to the full episode to absorb the in-depth discussions on these topics, as Karen Rands and Howard Chang navigate through the multifaceted landscape of today's business world.

    To learn more about Howard Chang and connect to his company JustBoardrooms or engage with the growth hack incubator/accelerator theturnlab, go to these links: 
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardchang1/
    JustBoardRooms: https://justboardrooms.com/booking/public/home
    theturnlab: https://theturnlab.com/

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation 
    **NOW Available as a digital on demand course.**
    She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional business networks. About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ 

    Visit http://Kugarand.com  and click on the Services tab, to learn more about our Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  Sign up for her free ebook while you are there!

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 
    Please share, subscribe and rate, wherever you listen to podcasts, to help us continue to spread the message of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement. 

    The Compassionate Tech Shift in Death Care with Guest Faisal Abid

    The Compassionate Tech Shift in Death Care with Guest Faisal Abid

    We are back with another insightful episode the Compassionate Capitalist Show that will challenge the way you think about traditional industries and the transformative power of technology. This episode features a thought-provoking conversation between our host Karen Rands and a special guest, Faisal Abid, the innovative co-founder of Eirene Cremations, about an inspired entrepreneur's quest to identify a problem and crafting a tech solution that can disrupt an industry, solve inefficiencies and produce a better outcome and experience for the consumers within that industry. No we aren't talking about healthcare, as we know that is an industry that is fraught with inefficiencies and needs to produce a better outcome and experience for the consumers / patients.  This is on the other end of the spectrum in what we are calling 'death tech' to transform the funeral industry and 'Death Care', specifically bringing efficiency and an improved sales process experience when choosing cremation and aquamation for a loved one that has passed.

    ➤ Karen dives deep with Faisal into how Eirene Cremations is changing the death care industry, offering families peace and comfort through technology during the toughest of times. Tune in to understand how Faisal used technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Voice Recognition, to reshape end-of-life services.

    Episode Highlights:

    ✦ The Beginnings: Learn about Faisal’s daring decisions and early challenges shaped his path to success.  First with the decision leave college to pursue his entrepreneur aspirations, and later, his leap from corporate software engineer to industry disruptor.

    ✦ Behind the Scenes: Discover how they used what is best describd as 'the lean startup model' in launching Eirene Cremations in Ontario starting with in depth customer discovery and business process management, manually documenting every aspect of the customer experience, the regulatory and paperwork requirements before writing the first piece of code. Then how the pivotal role of their proprietary, internally built, software enable the company’s rapid growth in Canada, and positioned them to expand in to the US in 2024.

    ✦ A Market Revolution: Hear Faisal recount the tale of how a 'coffee meetup' uncovered a market inefficiency and the potential to transform the customer experience in a stagnant, slow to change and innovate industry that was ripe for disruption. It is a fascinating story to hear how an  idea to solve a problem, that fundamental "what if" moment, evolved into a solution, tapping Faisal's female co-founder's industry knowledge and his ow mastery of software tech and business process management to disrupt a stagnant, slow-to-adopt industry to deliver a tech-savvy, customer-oriented service. 

    ✦ The Personal Touch: Despite the perception of a web commerce site and tele-video meetings seemingly to be impersonal, the result is exactly the opposite.  Because of their impressive behind the scenes technology, Eirene Cremations can focus on the essence of its business - service and support for grieving families. They use their proprietary 'funeral OS' technology so that they can focus on the customer with a personal experience that helps families make arrangements for their loved ones, any time of day, and even if they are hundreds of miles away. 

    ✦ Future Frontiers: Faisal gives us a glimpse into potential international expansions and the cool, cutting-edge tech his team is working on for 2024.

    This episode is more than a success story; it's a masterclass in innovation, strategic scaling, and leveraging tech for genuine service improvements. Eirene Cremations is setting a new standard for the funeral industry, and we’re privileged to share this journey with you.

    As always, your feedback is what shapes our content. After listening, let us know your thoughts on how technology can reinvent traditional industries, the value of realizing the customer discovery process to frame the solution, and the patience to truly understand the problem before building the technology to solve it. Are there other sectors you think could benefit from a similar disruption?

    Faisal's journey is one marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a mission to transform industries that have traditionally been slow to adopt technology. As Co-Founder & CTO of Eirene Cremations, he's at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge tech to revolutionize traditional industries.-- in this case - Disrupting Death Care !!  His journey is marked by a unique set of circumstances and choices: quitting college to pursue a passion as an entrepreneur, his choice to be a student of many innovators, his profound tenure within Google and decision to forge back into the world of entrepreneurism leading him to meet is co-founder Mallory Greene. 
    Learn more at http://eirenecremations.com 

    About Karen Rands:

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  Or use http://KarenRands.co and get your free gift and get on Karen's mail list. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube and available on all major podcast players.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  http://bit.ly/linkCSS  Social Media links can be found here as well. 
    It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological on Youtube.  

     

    LevelFields AI: Andrew Einhorn's Answer to Event-Driven Investment Predictions for the Stock Market

    LevelFields AI: Andrew Einhorn's Answer to Event-Driven Investment Predictions for the Stock Market

    Ready to unlock the secrets to smart investing and entrepreneurial success? Dive deep into the world of identifying winning investment opportunities with our latest Compassionate Capitalist Show Podcast episode featuring special guest Andrew Einhorn, co-founder and CEO of LevelFields!

    Join our knowledgeable host, Karen Rands, as she and Andrew explore the pivotal strategies behind finding companies that stand out through grit and are primed for significant growth. Whether you're an investor or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is loaded with insights!

    ✨ Key Highlights:

    *  An in-depth look at Andrew's entrepreneurial journey from "ohmygov" to the creation of LevelFields - AI
    * Insights on the high-stress process of company acquisition as Andrew discusses the Synoptos' merger, outlining how they capitalized on corporate partnerships and the value of focusing on customers' needs in the midst of industry skepticism.
    * Andrew's methodology for selecting successful companies, based his impressive portfolio of 53 investments. Learn his secret to investing success in various stages of companies.
    * The impact of capital efficiency and potential for market disruption with truly novel innovation, that is wanted by the target market. 
    * Andrew and Karen discuss the significance of strategic value propositions and the the power of pivot in business. 
    * They discuss the essence of product-market fit in successful entrepreneurship to lead to sustainable growth strategies.  
    * Lastly the creation of Levelfields and developing an AI and Machine Learning approach to monitor and predict market movement that will prove to revolutionize investment research and decision making.  

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging technology for smarter investments.  

    Plus we have a special offer for our Subscribers: 
    Get a special glimpse into the future of investing with a FREE TRIAL to see the predictive power of their platform firsthand. 
    https://www.levelfields.ai/
    PROMO CODE -- Podcast23

    About Andrew Einhorn: 
    Co-Founder and CEO of Levelfields.
    an AI-driven fintech application that automates arduous investment research so investors can find opportunities faster and easier. His mission is to create AI tools that make advanced financial strategies effortless and accessible for all. Former founder of OhMyGov and avid angel investor and cultivator of entrepreneurs. 

    Karen Rands on Evolution of AI & A Look Back for Investors and Founders on Predicting What Is to Come

    Karen Rands on Evolution of AI & A Look Back for Investors and Founders on Predicting What Is to Come

    Karen Rands brings her unique insights about Artificial Intelligence and how it has and will impact our lives.  With a look back to the predictions in 2018, found in the Fortune Magazine article "25 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing Business", she addresses the growing media hoopla over AI and Machine Learning.   

    Listen to uncover the myriad ways artificial intelligence goes beyond voice prompts on our phones. From ID badges and facial recognition to smart weapons and robotics, AI is reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of technological possibilities. Learn how these advancements are transforming our reality. What to be concerned about and what we can do to make sure that humans are the continued intelligence that drives artificial intelligence and not the other way around. 

    With rise in AI in analytics and predictions, this show is positioned as a segway to Karen's interview with Andrew Einhorn and how he is taking the volatility out of predicting stock market movement with Artificial Intelligence analysis of other trigger factors based on historical effects.  That Compassionate Capitalist Show is: Levelfields AI: Andrew Einhorn's Answer to Event-Driven Investing.

    To get to the documents Karen refers to in the intro teaser and the Fortune article of the predictions from 2018: 
    Fortune Magazine November 2018 25 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing Business
    https://fortune.com/2018/10/22/artificial-intelligence-ai-changing-business/

    CBInsights Sam Altman Investment Report  
    https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/sam-altman-investments/

    CBInsights Chat GPT AI Investment Ecosystem: 
    https://www.cbinsights.com/research/openai-investment-strategy/

    CBInsights Ultimate Guide to AI Disruption
    https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/generative-ai-bible

    To take advantage of Karen's early release offer for the intro level of Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing system, go to http://dothedeal.org and register. 

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.

    http://dothedeal.org

     

     

    William Lam Discusses the Impact of Mental Programming on Entrepreneurs and Angel Investing

    William Lam Discusses the Impact of Mental Programming on Entrepreneurs and Angel Investing

    Today's episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to not only raise capital for their ventures but to transform their business strategy and mindset for unprecedented success. We dive deep into the nuances of long-term versus short-term goals, understand the impact of FOMO on the investor psyche, and explore the transformative potential of mental programming.

    William shares his personal journey with his first company Dark Energy, his stark revelations the kind of work and reward he wanted in life, and how the discovery of mental programming and the rigor of launching a new business concept that would not only bring financial rewards but also have a profound impact on others lives that are striving in their own way to change the world. 

    In this episode, William Lam shares his experiences and insights on how to achieve success in the competitive world of startups. We will discusses raising capital, developing effective business strategies, and overcoming challenges to build a successful startup and then the even harder challenge to leap the capital and operational abyss to SCALE the business to exit. 
    We will dig deep into the value of long term goals vs short term goals. 
    If you are an investor and wonder why your founders don't hit their milestones when on paper and when they talk to you it seems very doable... 
    Or if you as a founder have ever felt there was an invisible wall limiting your progress.  
    This podcast episode is for you. 
    OR as the CEO of a corporation... maybe not a startup... and you hear you feel you have hit a plateau and need to figure out how to break through to scale, and wonder if you have what it takes to get into the trenches again like a startup. 
    If you as an investor ever felt you were going to miss out on an opportunity even though bells and whistles were saying DON't make this mistake. 
    If you ever felt you had to make a financial decision, a merger, a partnership, or you have a trouble customer, or if someone approached you to get you to invest and you didn't know how to say no.. or walk away.... 
    If you feel you can get to the mountain but you just can't climb it successfully, this is episode is for you. 

    William Lam is Pioneer in Mental Reprogramming & UPGRD® Founder. Recognized for his pioneering efforts, William played a pivotal role in the inception and rise of an innovative startup secured a substantial amount of funding through crowdfunding to launch that company. 

    More than just an entrepreneur, William is an observer of the human condition, noting that people, like their startups, often operate on impromptu frameworks. He draws a compelling parallel between the makeshift nature of early business ventures and the psychological underpinnings of individuals. Realizing that our mental 'operating systems' are the cumulative patchwork of direct life experiences, as well as the influences of mentors, family, and the broader cultural landscape—rarely crafted by conscious design but rather, improvised through life's unpredictable journey.  As he broke through his own barriers he had the vision to launch UPGRD so as to bring put his own transformation within reach of anyone that wanted to reach new heights and achieve the big bodacious dreams that they had buried within their soul 
    Visit https://upgrd.com/founder

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://dothedeal.org to register for  the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™ intro course. 

    Visit http://Kugarand.com to learn more about our about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

     

    Sex Tech Revolution: Dr. Soum Rakshit at the Forefront of Biometric Innovations

    Sex Tech Revolution: Dr. Soum Rakshit at the Forefront of Biometric Innovations

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show, where curiosity about best practices for wealth creation through funded innovation meets conversation of those that are walking the walk and leading the way, and innovation lights up every story.

    Today we're diving into a topic that's as cutting-edge as it is crucial—sex tech and its impact on healthcare and how advancements with novel design, biometric innovations, and technology like Bluetooth are literally improving the lives of millions of people and potential for a billion people in the near future. Today, we explore the incredible complex world of medical technology -- getting it funded, clinically proven to work, and to market so both the medical community and the men and women that benefit from the innovation can put it to work to improve their lives without fear or anxiety.

    Our fascinating guest, Dr. Soum Rakshit is a pioneering force behind nanotech solutions aimed at alleviating health issues that, until now, have remained in the shadows. From combating the pain of mastitis in new mothers to addressing pelvic pain post-cancer treatment, Soum is on a mission to enhance the quality of life with innovation at its finest—simple, accessible, and cost-effective solutions rooted in vibration and heat therapy. Throughout our conversation, we'll delve into the challenges entrepreneurs like Soum face—pushing boundaries in an industry that's notoriously tough to finance.

    Despite these hurdles, Soum has triumphantly brought Mystery Vibe's advanced technology to the forefront, addressing pelvic pain, dryness, and erectile dysfunction with clinical backing that supports their effectiveness. Hold onto your seats as we discuss Soum's journey from defense electronics to developing sex tech with a therapeutic edge, navigating the intricacies of FDA approvals, and the remarkable process of raising $12 million to fund a company that's not just profitable but paradigm-shifting. His approach to innovation is patient and persistent, mirrored in his company's dedication to owning the entire process, end to end. Joining us on this daring foray into the future of healthcare, Soum will share his insights on the importance of investor support, angel investments coming with expertise beyond dollars, and why having a 10-year plan is crucial for ventures in such complex domains.

    So, if you're intrigued by how the Internet of Things intersects with healthcare delivery or marvel at the prospect of nanotechnology paving the way for better health outcomes, this episode is for you. Let's get ready to unravel the layers of sex tech with Karen Rands and our accomplished guest, Dr. Soum Rakshit.

    Speaker Bio:
    Dr. Soum Rakshit is an innovator and entrepreneur whose mission centers around resolving a widespread medical challenge affecting both men and women globally. Dr. Rakshit's work stands as a testament to the power of technology in transforming healthcare and the potential it has in fostering healthier communities worldwide. Hear about his fascinating journey in BioMetrics took him from the Defense Industry into the Healthcare Industry and set the stage for him to work with medical doctors to understand and design around the human body, where no two bodies are exactly alike.

    Learn about the products at https://mysteryvibe.com/ for consumers and http://mysexmd.com for medical professionals (more research and peer review studies here)
    Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soum/

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.

    http://dothedeal.org

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Angel Investing: Minimizing Founder’s “Payroll Exit” Risks with Hall T Martin

    Angel Investing: Minimizing Founder’s “Payroll Exit” Risks  with Hall T Martin

    In this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show, Karen brings back a fan favorite from the vault to explain something she references often -- Hall Martin's strategy to It is a strategy he used to share the risk between angel investors and founders. This is where the term you hear Karen use:  Payroll Exits - comes from. 

    Their discussion will span from the foundational principles of "compassionate capitalism" to the meticulous art of informed angel investing. Hall will unravel the critical factors for successful angel investments and offer gems on how angel investors can generate evergreen funds through savvy reinvestments.

    Moreover, Hall will tackle the all-too-common scenario where startup founders start to seek to grow their compensation even as they miss their growth targets.  Founders start to pay themselves more:  payroll exits, while the investors internal rate of return declines the longer it takes the company to achieve a financial / sales level to sell the company for an equity exit.  This 3x in 3 years is a practical approach to sharing that risk and fundamentally structured like a conversion note with a redemption right in the third year.

    Key Take Aways: 

    ### Term Sheet and Investor Relations

    • Encouragement for angel investors to create their own terms
    • Qualifying startups based on their exit intentions
    • Rights for investors to exit after three years

    ### Understanding Investment Outcomes

    • Identifying winners, losers, and lifestyle businesses
    • Impact of payroll exits on investment return
    • Differences between ROI and IRR

    ### Risk Assessment, Valuations and Exit Strategies

    • Understanding the risks and potential exit strategies before investing
    • Defining risks and clarifying expectations with entrepreneurs
    • Recognizing realistic valuations and exit possibilities
    • Avoiding investments in overvalued companies without clear exit strategies

    So sharpen your pencils and get your spreadsheets ready as we explore how to mitigate risks, gauge entrepreneur commitment, and understand the nuances of venture viability. Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for that initial investment spark or an investor keen on maximizing returns – this episode promises a wealth of knowledge with both Hall Martin and Karen Rands sharing their experiences. 

    Hall Martin, an indomitable force in the investment world, boasts a distinguished track record of empowering startups and fueling innovation. With over two decades of investment experience, Hall has facilitated the raising of more than $900 million for entrepreneurs through the TEN Funding Program. A seasoned veteran, he has presided over 10,000+ pitches in various forums, indicative of his vast influence and commitment to entrepreneurial success.

    The architect of a remarkable 40X return for the Austin angel network, Hall deftly manages a complex orchestration of funding mechanisms. He has successfully raised over $32 million through accelerators and has judiciously invested $13 million through a university angel network, proving his strategic investment prowess.

    Connect with Hall: https://tencapital.group/about-us/

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

     Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.

    http://dothedeal.org

     

    The 5 Things Founders & Investors Need to Know to Maximize Patent Value with Russ Krajec

    The 5 Things Founders & Investors Need to Know to Maximize Patent Value with Russ Krajec

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show with host, Karen Rands. Today, we're privileged to have patent attorney and CEO of Blue Iron, Russ Krajec, on the show. Russ will debunk myths and misconceptions about patents. Expect to dive deep into the importance of aligning patents with your business roadmap, with emphasis on the value of data-driven patents vs. prophetic patents. Through interesting examples, Karen and Russ will show how to avoid others' mistakes and when patent management is done right, how companies can monetize patents for growth capital, preserving equity value for their share holders.  Finally, you won't want to miss Russ’s enlightening journey into patent law and angel investing. So, tune in for an episode that promises to be filled with actionable insights on the nuances of patent writing, and much more! 

    5 Insights You Will Gain: 

    1. Misconceptions and Myths of Patents
     - Understanding the role of a patent attorney and their liability concerns
     - The misconceptions of revealing too much information in patent description versus the actual claims
     
    2. Explaining the Patent Process
       - Understanding data-driven patents vs prophetic patents
       - Role of proper market analysis and customer engagement to establish patent relevance and commercialization
       - Importance of clarity in the description and writing understandable claims to help in the patent approval process 

    3. Valuation and Monetizing of Patents
       - Importance of mapping patents to business roadmap
       - Monetizing patents as a startup financing tool
       - Concept of IP-backed loans for companies
       - Determining true patent value versus overestimated value
       - Use of loans based on real patent valuation

    4. Lessons for Startups and Entrepreneurs
       - Importance of startups owning all rights to their software and product designs
       - Challenges startups face in getting quality legal services
       - Explanation of the "patent picket fence" strategy
       - Importance of selective patent pursuit due to limited financial resources

    5. Highlighting The Importance of Effective Patenting
       - Importance of patenting specific product features that make it unique
       - Example of iPhone's slide to unlock patent
       - Discouraging the use of provisional patent applications
       - Understanding the lifespan limit of a patent and strategies to extend patent life 

    For the basics of types of patents that Karen referenced in the intro:  
    ARTICLE:   https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-the-different-types-of-patents

    Get in touch with Russ, registered patent attorney, CEO of Blue Iron IP Web: BlueIronIP.com
    Author of "Investing In Patents" and an active angel investor. 
    Russ offered listeners a copy of his book for free!
    Send him an email with your address to  russ.krajec AT blueironip.com
    Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/krajec/
    Host of the Patent Myths Podcast

    TimeStamp: 

    00:02 In this episode, the host discusses patents with patent attorney Russ Krajek. They dispel myths and share enlightening information about investing in patents. 
    04:52 Russ started as a patent attorney, experience with angel investing, and how he got into IP backed loans for companies with revenue.
    07:34 Understanding the business is crucial. Validating the solution before wasting money on patents.  Critical to know what is novel and has customer appeal
    19:04 Choosing a provisional patent application suggests low expectations to the investor.
    21:29 When hiring a patent attorney, it's the entrepreneur's responsibility to ensure the job is done well. Attorney's don't advise, they do what you ask. 
    24:31 Patent attorney advises getting patents early and often due to risk of someone filing first. However, there is a possibility of prior art invalidating the patent if you share to much in your description.
    27:51 Patents pending for a decade, not immune, appealed three times, clarity of patent writing is imperative to avoid costly legal interpretation.
    34:20 As patents approach expiration, they lose value to acquirers, limiting a company's time to increase valuation.  Strategies to extend value. 
    40:12 Large firms often use inexperienced attorneys for patent filings, resulting in poor quality work. The same applies to attorneys handling contract and intellectual property matters. Issues are often discovered during due diligence for investors.
    43:57 Patent value often inflated in pre money startups; realistic worth is far lower until market validation is established. 
    46:31 For angel investment, we look at the whole company, but mainly focus on the founder's ability to grow the invested capital.

    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.--Intro to Angel Investing and Crowdfunding Investing Training. 

    http://dothedeal.org

    Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

     

     

    From Wall Street to Late Stage Angel Investing: A Roadmap for Predictable Returns with Rashaun Williams

    From Wall Street to Late Stage Angel Investing: A Roadmap for Predictable Returns with Rashaun Williams

    In this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show brought back to life from the vault, Karen Rands engages in a compelling conversation with Rashaun Williams, a late-stage angel investor and venture capitalist. Williams shares his journey from investment banking to venture capital, highlighting the unique approach he takes in late-stage private investments for predictable returns. The discussion provides valuable insights for new investors looking to navigate the startup landscape and collaborate with companies that offer resources for successful scaling and exits.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Late Stage Investment Strategy: Williams emphasizes the importance of late-stage investing as a strategy for more predictable returns. He reveals the evolution of the late-stage industry, driven by companies staying private for extended periods, creating opportunities for investors to enter one to three years before the companies go public.

    2. Accessing Top Deals: Williams shares valuable advice for new investors, suggesting involvement in accelerators and incubators as a means to access promising early-stage companies. He also highlights the significance of discerning the credibility of the deal sources and ensuring alignment with investors who have a track record of success.

    3. Diversification and Portfolio Theory: The episode explores Williams' strategic approach to diversification, not only by industry but also by stage, liquidity, and cash flow. By understanding the portfolio theory in venture capital and angel investing, Williams provides a roadmap for building a diversified portfolio with a mix of early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments.

    4. Angel Investing Defense: Williams offers practical tips for investors to safeguard their interests by asking critical questions before engaging in deals. He advises ensuring that deal sources have a vested interest, have conducted due diligence, and possess a proven track record in the specific type of deals.

    Listeners can gain valuable insights into late-stage investing, portfolio management, and effective strategies for navigating the dynamic world of angel investing.

    Rashaun Williams is a Sum Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.  As a former investment banker, turned venture capitalist, he focuses investments on tech, consumer products, and media companies. With over 100 investments under his belt, and over 20 exits, he has an impressive track record of picking winners.  He invested in companies like Coinbase, Casper, Ring, PillPack, Lyft, and Dropbox.  Over the last 15 years, he's been primarily responsible for bringing capital to emerging, diverse, and alternative markets while working at Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs, Wachovia Securities, and Deutsche Bank.  Currently Mr. Williams is a general partner at MVP All Star Fund, which is a late stage tech fund. Previously, he founded a venture capital fund, Queensbridge Venture Partners.   For more information visit: https://www.mvp.vc/

    Karen's call to action: 

    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.

    http://dothedeal.org

     Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/

    Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. 

    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod