In this live edition of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sat down with Fuquan Bilal, founder of NNG Capital Fund, to dive deep into the world of raising private capital and scaling smartly in real estate. Broadcasting straight from our Sarasota event, this episode brings an insider look at what it takes to structure and grow a capital-raising business the right way—without cutting corners.

Fuquan shares the mindset and systems behind consistently raising funds, how to avoid common legal pitfalls, and why relationship-building is the cornerstone of sustainable success. Whether you're new to fundraising or already managing millions, his practical advice and generous insights will show you how to take your capital game to the next level.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Introduction

[0:59] – Meet Fuquan Bilal and learn about his journey from real estate investor to capital fund founder.

[2:42] – The presentation that "blew minds"—Fuquan's core mission to give back and deliver value.

[3:10] – Why raising capital is all about building relationships, not quick transactions.

[4:51] – The case for scaling smart: how private capital accelerates growth and marketing.

[5:58] – What to do first if you're serious about starting a fund (hint: talk to an SEC attorney!).

[7:07] – The legal risks of raising money the wrong way—and how to avoid them.

[12:25] – A single breakfast conversation that led to a $10M credit line—why community matters.

[14:15] – Market trends in New Jersey luxury spec homes and how Fuquan's adapting.

[16:43] – Smart sourcing: using relationships to lock in pricing and storage with suppliers.

[17:13] – Fuquan's heartfelt call to action on joining a powerful real estate investing community.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Relationship Over Transaction – Raising capital successfully hinges on long-term trust and frequent communication—not just quick pitches.

2. Do It Right from Day One – Avoid costly mistakes by structuring your fund legally and working with a qualified SEC attorney.

3. Community is a Catalyst – One meaningful connection can unlock millions in funding and transform your business trajectory.

Links & Resources

• https://thecollectivegenius.com/

• NNG Capital Fund: https://nngcapitalfund.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with a friend who's looking to grow their real estate business the right way. Thanks for listening, and see you on the next CG LIVE!