The Business Strategist With Adam Strong

Investor Insights - the secret to fast funding!


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 Most founders follow outdated fundraising advice—and that’s why they fail.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

Learn how to scale and exit faster by applying to join 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

đź’ˇ Key Takeaways:
  1. Investors don’t want to be pitched. They want to find opportunities through trusted networks.
  2. Cold outreach is a waste of time. The best deals happen through warm introductions.
  3. Raising money doesn’t solve all problems. Often, a lack of funding forces better decisions.
  4. If you’re desperate for money, you’ve already lost leverage. Build relationships before you need them.
  5. 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 🎙️
    1. Subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify
    2. Help us to make a bigger impact by buying me a cup of tea 👉 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thebusinessstrategist
    3. Tag us and share the show with your network

    4. 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

      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

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      The Business Strategist With Adam StrongBy Adam Strong

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