In this conversation, Sasha Orloff sits down with Steve McLaughlin, CEO and Managing Partner of FT Partners. Steve provides an insider’s look into the high-stakes world of capital raising and dealmaking for high-growth private companies. From being Goldman Sachs’ Former Head of Fintech to founding FT Partners, a global fintech investment firm, McLaughlin shares his strategies for crafting compelling narratives that unlock massive fundraising rounds - like the $33 billion valuation for Revolut and a $100 million plus raise for Sam Altman’s Worldcoin. They dive deep into storytelling, the importance of product over marketing spend, founder red flags, and much more.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

This show is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

---

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

📈 ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH - Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

---

SPONSORS:

Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/attioturpentine

---

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

Spotify

Apple

---

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

---

LINKS:

https://ftpartners.com/

X/SOCIAL:

@sashaorloff (Sasha)

@FTPartners (Steve)

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) The art of storytelling in high-growth company valuations

(00:01:31) A capital whisperer's journey

(00:02:26) Inside FTPartners: Shaping the fintech universe

(00:04:33) The intricacies of capital raising and M&A

(00:07:39) Crafting the perfect capital raise story

(00:14:13) The complex world of investor networks

(00:16:41) Maximizing value beyond valuation

(00:19:05) A deep dive into successful storytelling and strategic selling

(00:22:57) The philosophy of business growth and valuation

(00:23:33) Understanding the founder's journey and ambitions

(00:24:32) The role of investment bankers in raising capital

(00:25:46) The importance of choosing the right banker

(00:28:17) Revolut's success story: A case study

(00:36:07) Strategic advice on growth vs. profitability

(00:39:01) Reflecting on capital raising experiences and red flags

(00:41:06) The evolution of FT Partners

(00:46:12) Closing thoughts and acknowledgements