Description

🚀 Struggling to raise capital while scaling your business? You’re not alone.

Most founders follow outdated fundraising advice and that’s why they fail. 

Today, investor and entrepreneur Callum Laing joins Adam to reveal how the smartest founders attract investment, not chase it. Forget cold pitches and Shark Tank-style interrogations—this episode will reframe everything you thought you knew about raising money.

Most founders fundraise the wrong way—pitching cold, chasing investors, and hoping for a yes. But the real game is about attracting investment, not begging for it.

In this episode, Adam and Callum Laing—an investor who has raised tens of millions and helped over 100 companies go public—break down why traditional fundraising advice is broken. 

Learn how the best founders build investor relationships before they need capital, why trust matters more than pitch decks, and how to flip the script so investors come to you.

🚀 If you're ready to raise capital the smart way, this episode is a must-listen.

Why You Should Listen:

✔️ The #1 mistake founders make when seeking investment—and how to avoid it.

✔️ How to become the founder investors WANT to fund (hint: it's not about your pitch deck).

✔️ The hidden reality of venture capital vs. family offices—and why most VCs lose money.

✔️ Why raising capital should be your last resort—not your first move.

✔️ How to de-risk your business and make investment decisions without desperation.

Key Takeaways:

Investors don’t want to be pitched. They want to find opportunities through trusted networks.

Cold outreach is a waste of time. The best deals happen through warm introductions.

Raising money doesn’t solve all problems. Often, a lack of funding forces better decisions.

If you’re desperate for money, you’ve already lost leverage. Build relationships before you need them.

Your personal brand is an investment magnet. Investors back founders they see as credible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Capital Raising Challenges

03:04 The Importance of Networking in Business

05:51 Common Mistakes in Approaching Investors

09:11 The Role of Trust and Track Record

11:47 Understanding Investor Needs

15:09 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Investment

18:01 Shifting Mindsets: From Desperation to Value Creation

20:52 Building Relationships with Investors

23:46 Creating Products that Meet Investor Demands

26:53 Navigating Economic Excuses in Investment Discussions

29:53 Maintaining Control in Investor Conversations

33:41 Raising Capital: The Board Member's Role

36:32 The Reality of Pitching: Beyond Entertainment

39:54 Building Trust: The Importance of Advisory Boards

41:55 Personal Branding: Credibility and Visibility

46:34 Preparing for Meetings: Control the Conversation

51:30 Understanding Investors: The Importance of Relationships

53:29 Investment Regrets: Lessons Learned

01:01:23 Minimising Risk: The Power of Diversification

01:03:49 Final Thoughts: Building Relationships with Investors

How To Support The Business Strategist

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ABOUT THE GUEST

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumlaing/

https://x.com/laingcallum

https://www.youtube.com/@CallumLaing

2 years free GILD Membership ($2,376) by going to GILDMembers.com/?Strong

ABOUT THE HOST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong

Have you got a plan for scale in 2024? If not, take the business growth quiz here: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com

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