Today Cole talks with a colleague at FOCUS Investment Banking, Rob Adams. Rob helps founders fund expansion so during today's conversion the guys address private debt and capital raising as a deliberate growth strategy.

Over the last few years we've watched more growth-oriented operators partner with private equity—thinking of it less as a sale and more as a strategic alliance. The question for 2026: will we see that thesis taken one step further—using private debt (the same kind of debt PE uses) to scale while retaining maximum equity and control?

Today we'll break down what private debt is, when it beats bank debt or equity, what lenders actually look for, and how to structure capital so it accelerates growth without stressing the business. Let's get into it.

Connect with Robert: Website: https://focusbankers.com/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adams-34725725/ Email: [email protected]