Getting Creative About Capital When Your Calls Aren't Returned

Calls going unanswered? You're not alone.

The Triangle builds serious hardware — but raises less capital for it than Boston, New York, or San Francisco. Founders here have to get creative.

This session puts founders in a working conversation with the investors who underwrite first-of-a-kind initiatives, covering what sits between a strong pitch deck and a fundable financial package. Expect specifics on how catalytic, concessionary, and commercial capital stack, what diligence looks for in a university spinout story, and which questions a founder should be able to answer before they raise.

You'll leave knowing what investors need to see before they return your call, and how to build a capital strategy that doesn't depend on a single check.

Speakers

Sasha Brown

Sasha Brown is a Senior Partner at the Ecosystem Integrity Fund. Her responsibilities include investment due diligence, strategy development, process management, deal sourcing, and portfolio company support. She assists wit