The Most Misguided Decision Founders Make: Their Funding Structure -- The First Strike Incubator team breaks it all down on The No Followers Podcast

“Weighted Average Cost of Capital”

If you’re raising, here’s the real question: WHAT STRUCTURE IS YOUR BEST OPTION? Most founders get this wrong. Not because they’re reckless but because they’re misinformed. In this episode, the co‑hosts unpack: The real fundraising options available.-Why structure matters more than the size of the check.-How to choose HOW and WHAT DEAL to raise with.-The hidden costs founders never calculate.

Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like. Stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026 on the In Focus Brands YouTube Channel.NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Video Episode 36. Weighted Average Cost of Capital.The best way to raise money is to sell something.** Debt is cheaper than equity.** It's become common to have a cycle of cap raises.** They never look at organic revenue and only focus on the raise.** I want to explain the concept that debt is cheaper than equity. ** Debt is the first thing that has to be paid back.** Equity stake holders are bottom rung as bond or debt holders are paid first.** Once you are in revenue debt becomes an option.** Let me paint a picture of debt vs. equity.** You are wrong if you look at the equity side as just getting money.** What debt doesn't give you are experts helping build your business.** For most companies, it is a mix of debt and equity.** If you are pre-revenue and have to do multiple raises, each has a different valuation.** You have more options if you can get to an mvp and pre-sell products.** This showcases the conversation we have with some of our members. ** Don't take on personal debt, keep it in the corporation.** Some people feel equity is less risky but that is not my view.** Sometimes you take out more than you need with an equity play.** Some people's whole business model is to raise money.** Investors should bring more to the table than just money.** A lot of people don't vet investors.** Is it truly risk capital?** The investor base is a key stakeholder, and they should be relied on.** They know they need funding but don't specifically know what to do with it.** It's all about having the right conversations.** If the investors aren't asking hard questions, they are not really interested.** T's dinner with a potential investor.** It should be an uncomfortable conversation. Money can wreck relationships.** The chasm between design and revenue is huge.** You must prove to investors that you are an expert about your business.** There is a cost in time and energy in going after grants or dealing with investors.

Raising Capital vs. Revenue. They are not the same and cannot be treated the same way!

This is Part 3 of 4 on the theme 'Capital and Investors'.

Our podcasts are built from lived experience. Decades of launching, growing, scaling and selling businesses and products. Our goal at First Strike Incubator: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.

Share your questions, comments, and Point of View with us.

Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.In this episode:** My dog Tig has social anxiety.** Raising Capital vs. Revenue.** Raising Money is a tool to get to Revenue.** We love traction.** People have fallen in love with the raise. ** First check, first client is our goal. ** I thought at first, I should be raising capital.** Deconstruct the idea in practical ways.** The right resources at the right time.** Some valuations are insane.** Communication is always sacrosanct to us.** It's about realism.** Everyone wants the NETFLIX win. ** A solid performing company is a win. ** Know your investors goals and timeline.** You can't just sit there and beg.** Avoid the Greater Fool Theory.** Technologies can take a long time to get commercialized.** Many people are not discerning enough.** Early on the idea of raising money feels like the finish line.** First check, first client is the sexiest. Investment comes later.** Keep your day job.** Is the runway equivalent to the takeoff?

"IF YOUR WHOLE BUSINESS PLAN IS TO GET MONEY; GET A NEW PLAN" is just the start of this discussion on fundraising, alignment and team building including your investors. Our podcasts are built from lived experience.

If your whole business plan is to raise money, get a new plan.** I thought it was time to fundraise ** You have no market intelligence to share with an investor ** People don't usually invest in a business. They invest in people and look for a team ** How can I get market validation if I can't make my product? ** Your time is better spent building a team instead of fundraising ** A start up is not a business A start up is an idea looking for a business ** We never raise money until we have a pilot or a customer ** If you fundraise early on, you will probably be giving up equity ** You're better off finding a good partner structure.If you fundraise to build a company, build the company ** I don't know who gives money without milestones ** The Greater Fool Theory of Investing ** Is your goal to be sold or to get your product to market? ** Joule strategy to market ** The quickest way to raise money is to get to revenue ** Do your research ** As a founder, you need to be realistic ** Your extended network is part of your team ** Surrounding yourself with the right people is worth its weight in gold ** Organizational Behavior 101: Conflict is good ** The further in development you get, the more valuable your company is ** I'm shocked at people who raise money and can't explain what their business actually is ** You have to be willing to be disproved ** Owners need to get a backbone ** Analyzing information is a practiced skill you need in business ** What is the best use of the resources around you?

Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.

As part of our ongoing documentary on the First Strike Incubator's Team taking one product from Idea To Market; we are launching a themed series, straight from the vaults of the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast.

Theme 1: Fundraising - Capital & Investors

Over the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping episodes, insights, and yes… even some ridiculous outtakes, all focused on fundraising. This is a topic that impacts every business, yet is often clouded by noise and misinformation.

Our podcasts are built from lived experience. Decades of launching growing, scaling and exiting businesses and products.

The goal: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.

Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.

Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.

In This Episode:

Ask questions. Get answers, even if you don't like the answers.

** Taking information in is so important.** Have you ever heard of Sicilian Amnesia?** How to talk to investors.** Investors should be bringing more to the table than money.** Get market intel and ideally sell something. You shouldn't be jumping to investors first.** Investors can bring in other expertise.** As an investor, I'm going to push back on you too.** It's not a one-way interview. Both sides must ask tough questions.** I feel like Tiny Tim** Do all your analysis and get market validation first.** What do you bring to the table besides money?** Why do you want to be involved with me and my product?** What is your ROI and timeline? Do you need the money for bills?** Ask uncomfortable questions.** We lay out all the milestones and ask questions up front.** I always ask, what else have you invested in?** I try to test them. How are they in a crisis? How do they handle "no"?** My fundraising mantra is, "I want alignment".** Early on, it's like a dinner meeting.** Real Estate investing is a completely different risk profile.** What was the largest challenge building your business?** The first step is a conversation. Can I work with this group?** Uncomfortable conversations. ** It will come down to due diligence.** Is it worth investing the time if you are not going to be good partners? **Don't share proprietary information up front. Filter for qualified investors.** It takes time to build relationships and trust.** Have honest early-stage conversations.** Investors want to see that you think strategically.** Ideally what does this investment look like? ** I hate maybes. What else are you looking for?** You need to keep networking. It's a numbers game.** Build warm leads.** Put it in writing even if it is your family and friends.** Know what you are getting and who you are dealing with.** Loans vs. Investments.

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