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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.Â
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.
✔️ 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.
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
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:Â https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong
Have you got a plan for scale in 2024? If not, take the business growth quiz here:Â https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com
Apply to our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4.9
2828 ratings
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.Â
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.
✔️ 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.
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
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:Â https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong
Have you got a plan for scale in 2024? If not, take the business growth quiz here:Â https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com
Apply to our waitlist for our next cohort to the game changers inner circle business mastermind go to https://bit.ly/business-mastermind-waitlist for more info
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7,814 Listeners