Ep#27: The Secret to Raising Capital? Tell Your Story, Don’t Sell

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Startups Decoded

Andy Walsh

41 episodes

2 hours ago

Jaclyn Johnson is a powerhouse entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women in business.By 35, she had already launched and sold two multimillion-dollar companies, including Create & Cultivate, a first-of-its-kind platform for female entrepreneurs that scaled to eight-figure revenue and partnered with Fortune 500 brands like Amazon, Mastercard, and Microsoft.Now, she’s back with Cherub, a double-sided marketplace designed to bridge the gap between underrepresented founders and democratizing access to category-defining companies. As both an angel investor and advisor, Jaclyn has backed businesses like Away, Live Tinted, and Chillhouse, bringing hard-won experience from her own journey into the founder–funding relationship.Subscribe nowIn this conversation, we break down:Jaclyn’s origin story: why she built CherubHow she approaches angel investing and the lessons she’s learnedWhat makes a great angel pitch (and what doesn’t)The realities of being an accredited investorWhy representation in funding isn’t just moral, it’s market-changingChapters00:00 The Importance of Angel Investments02:49 Jaclyn’s Journey as a Founder and Investor05:41 Understanding Angel Investors vs. Venture Capitalists08:28 The Role of Angel Advisors11:23 Building Relationships with Angels14:15 The Power of Brand Fame17:25 Cherub’s Mission and Deal Flow20:07 Educating Angels and Standardizing Investments23:13 Creating Effective Fundraising Pages26:12 The Role of Analytics in Fundraising29:04 Onboarding Founders to Cherub32:01 Connecting with Angels: Best Practices35:03 Diversifying the Investment Landscape37:58 The Future of Angel Investing40:35 Special Offers for Founders on CherubGuest BioJaclyn Johnson is the founder of Cherub and creator of Create & Cultivate, which she scaled to an eight-figure exit while reshaping how brands and communities support female entrepreneurs. Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and an Adweek Disruptor, Jaclyn is an angel investor and advisor to companies including Away, Live Tinted, and Chillhouse. She’s dedicated to making capital and community more accessible for underrepresented founders while equipping the next generation of women entrepreneurs to scale.Who Should ListenFounders raising their first angel roundEntrepreneurs seeking representation and resourcesPeople curious about Angel Investing and how to get startedOperators looking to understand the angel landscapeMusic Credit“Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Access All Areas.Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTubeSubscribe: SubstackCommunity & Events: Founders CircleConnect: LinkedInSocials: TikTok || Instagram || XWeb: startupsdecoded.com

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Entrepreneurship

Business,

Investing

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Ep#27: The Secret to Raising Capital? Tell Your Story, Don’t Sell - Dr. Ankur Pathak.

Startups Decoded

46 minutes

3 months ago

Ep#27: The Secret to Raising Capital? Tell Your Story, Don’t Sell - Dr. Ankur Pathak.

Send us a textDiscover how effective storytelling captivates investors and builds a compelling personal brand. Join us as we unpack the strategies founders and leaders use to craft narratives that drive investment and inspire action. Whether you're looking to secure funding, attract customers, or refine your startup’s story, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your brand and make a real impact.Dr. Ankur PathakFounding Principal at London Real Ventures, the first media-powered investment firm blending media and finance. After transitioning from medicine, Ankur led investments in Web3 and AI projects like Shrapnel, Story Protocol, and NAYMS. Leveraging London Real’s platform of 5M+ subscribers, he connects founders and investors, offering strategic insights, media exposure, and capital. Ankur’s focus is on building long-term, value-driven relationships across AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.London Real VenturesInvests in cutting-edge Web3, AI, and Metaverse companies, offering more than just capital. They leverage their global network of 5 million subscribers to rapidly build brand visibility, drive customer acquisition, and foster partnerships.Their process includes:Production: A custom, high-definition interview with the CEO/Founder to promote the brand and secure funding.Distribution: Broadcasting the interview and clips to a global audience, creating media buzz.Connection: Linking companies with influential guests from various industries for strategic opportunities.Expansion: Providing capital and continuous support to grow the business until exit.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)SummaryIn this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Ankur Pathak, exploring the significance of storytelling in startups, the journey from healthcare to investment, and the role of media in amplifying founder narratives. Dr. Ankur shares insights on personal branding, the importance of building relationships over mere transactions, and the long-term value approach in investing. The discussion also delves into crafting and communicating compelling stories that resonate with investors and audiences alike, emphasizing the human element in the investment process.TakeawaysStorytelling is crucial for startups to connect with audiences.Dr. Ankur transitioned from healthcare to investment, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy.The media platform plays a vital role in amplifying startup stories.Investors are more likely to support founders they have a relationship with.Personal branding is essential for founders to stand out.Documenting the entrepreneurial journey builds trust and engagement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Startups03:44 Dr. Ankur Pathak's Journey from Healthcare to Investment06:10 The Role of Media in Startup Success08:54 Understanding thDiscover Smarter Investing with the Teaminvest Wealth Builders PodcastExpert insights and proven strategies from Australia's top investors. Build your wealth.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Back to Episodes

Startups Decoded