You’ve been sold a lie: going public is “easy.” File some papers, raise some money, and voilà—you’re trading shares.

Not even close.

In this episode, Scott and I break down what really drives successful capital raises and public-market strategies: experience, disciplined execution, and action.

Failures, not wins, taught Scott the hardest lessons, and the biggest risk for entrepreneurs? Doing nothing. Ideas left untested quietly die.

Capital architecture & financing strategies, non-traditional paths to going public and why brand visibility isn’t optional but essential

Growth isn’t about speed. It’s about structure, credibility, and learning from mistakes before they cost you.

For anyone serious about building a lasting company: there is a roadmap. But it only works if you’re willing to do the work.

Key Takeaways

• Money changes hands when problems are solved.
• You make money when you buy, not when you sell.
• Every deal has its own unique intricacies.
• You need to create market demand for your stock.
• The bigger the problem, the bigger the money.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Architecture

04:10 Scott's Journey into Capital Raising

09:01 Navigating Complex Deals and Financing

14:01 Understanding Reverse Mergers and Public Offerings

18:55 Creating Value in the Public Market

27:06 The Challenges of Going Public

28:27 Understanding Reverse Mergers and Reg A+

30:46 Common Pitfalls in Capital Raising

33:11 The Importance of Brand Awareness

35:13 Future Trends in Capital Markets

About Scott Boruff

Scott Boruff is the founder of Pitch Equity Fund and Safe Space, a unique early-stage company breaking new ground in capital architecture and public-market strategy. I like to call Scott a financial architect because he doesn’t just raise capital; he structures it in ways most founders never see, opening doors to non-traditional markets and public pathways.

He is also a visionary real estate developer and dealmaker who has raised over $1 billion in debt and equity to fund transformative projects across golf, retail, residential, and adaptive reuse sectors. Scott builds developments that reshape communities, create lasting value, and leave a legacy.

Simply put, Scott sees opportunities where others see risk and knows how to turn them into impact.

About Karen Rands

Karen Rands is the founder of The Compassionate Capitalist Movement™. As a Venture Catalyst and best-selling author, she is disrupting the status quo by equipping a new generation of "Compassionalists" to bridge the wealth gap through private equity and small business investment.

Bridge the Wealth Gap: Get Karen’s Books on Amazon -https://amzn.to/47D5Lwz

Join the Academy: The Compassionalist Academy™ (Sign up now for 25% off the annual license!)

If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow leader ready to disrupt the average.

karenrands.co

http://compassionalistacademy.com

You've been sold a lie about franchising.

Everyone thinks it's the safe bet, proven system, established brand, guaranteed success. Just sign and watch the money roll in, right?

Wrong.

In this episode, Dan Collins and I tear apart the glossy brochures: franchising reduces risk, but doesn't eliminate it. If you don't know the difference, you're about to make an expensive mistake.

We dig into what separates thriving franchises from those that quietly bleed franchisees dry: unit economics that actually work, proof of concept beyond one lucky location, and real profitability—not marketing hype.

Most people think they're buying freedom. They're actually buying a system that demands relentless discipline and strict adherence to the playbook.

We also address anyone considering franchising their own business, what worked once with you running it doesn't mean it's replicable.

The real question isn't whether franchising is safer. It's whether you're willing to do what it takes to make it work.

Takeaways:

• Franchising is a support business, requiring a different mindset than operating a business.
• A proof of concept is essential before franchising a business.
• Interest and enthusiasm alone are not sufficient for franchise success.
• Franchisees must be willing to follow established systems for success.
• Marketing plays a critical role in the success of a franchise location.
• Franchisees earn from the bottom line, not just top-line sales.
• Understanding unit economics is crucial for evaluating franchise opportunities.
• Legal considerations are vital when franchising a business.
• Market trends can influence the success of a franchise, but solid concepts are key.
• Franchising can reduce risk, but it does not eliminate it.

• 
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Franchising and Investment Opportunities

02:42 Understanding Franchise Ownership and Operations

05:36 Common Misconceptions About Franchising

08:22 The Role of Systems in Franchise Success

11:05 Identifying the Right Franchisee Characteristics

14:02 The Investor and Operating Partner Model

16:52 Franchising vs. Starting a Business from Scratch

29:05 Navigating Franchise Opportunities

30:32 Evaluating Franchise Risks and KPIs

35:09 The Importance of Franchisee Success

37:29 Franchising Your Business: Key Considerations

41:42 Market Trends and Franchise Sectors

46:23 Understanding Market Competition in Franchising

More about Daniel Collins:

Daniel Collins is an award-winning franchise investment advisor with more than 30 years of experience across franchising. After building his career in operations, training, and franchise development for high-growth brands, Daniel now focuses exclusively on helping high-performing professionals evaluate franchise opportunities with clarity and discipline.

https://franchisee1stadvisors.com/

More about Karen:

Karen Rands is the founder of The Compassionate Capitalist Movement - bringing to the entrepreneur / investor ecosystem a new generation of 'Compassionalists™" to invest in the entrepreneurs and small businesses - whether down the street or poised to be the next big thing. She is disrupting the status quo on how people think about creating wealth.

Get the Book that launched a movement:

Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation

Grab the book that is disrupting the status quo and inspiring a new generation that they have it in their power to leap the wealth gap:

Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing. Follow Jane’s Journey: See How a New Generation Builds Wealth with Purpose, Passion and Profit.

Get the books - https://amzn.to/47D5Lwz

Sign up for The Compassionalist Academy, COMING SOON, and if you hurry you just might get in on the countdown to launch and claim 25% on an annual license. http://compassionalistacademy.com

The Bubble Question: Are You Investing or Gambling?

Every generation believes this time is different—until the bubble bursts. From tech stocks to crypto, markets have a long history of swinging between irrational euphoria and sudden panic. This episode explores a critical question every investor must ask: are you positioned for long-term wealth, or exposed to the next collapse?

I sit down with Aman Verjee, veteran venture capitalist and author of A Brief History of Financial Bubbles, to unpack why financial bubbles are not accidents—but predictable cycles driven by human psychology, cheap money, and unchecked optimism. We move beyond headlines to examine the recurring patterns that quietly build beneath every major market boom and bust.

If you’ve ever worried about whether your investments are built on fundamentals or hype, this conversation offers the clarity needed to invest with discipline, awareness, and confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding financial bubbles is crucial for investors.

• Bubbles are influenced by social and psychological factors.

• Historical examples like tulip mania provide valuable lessons.

• The railroad boom illustrates the dangers of overbuilding.

• The dot-com bubble led to significant technological advancements.

• Productive bubbles can create long-term economic value.

• Monetary policy plays a key role in fueling bubbles.

• AI technology is transforming industries but comes with risks.

• Investors should focus on the problem being solved by startups.

• The cyclical nature of investment capital requires caution.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Bubbles

01:53 The Importance of Understanding Bubbles

05:05 Tulip Mania: A Historical Perspective

11:35 The Railroad Boom and Its Lessons

17:45 The Dot-Com Bubble: Lessons Learned

24:32 Productive vs. Destructive Bubbles

29:04 Monetary Policy and Its Impact

32:29 The AI Bubble: Current Trends

37:34 Investing in Breakthrough Technologies

About Aman Verjee

Aman Verjee is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist with an extraordinary career as an early PayPal employee, CFO at Sonos and eBay North America, and today is a General Partner at Practical Venture Capital. His upcoming book A Brief History of Financial Bubbles, where he breaks down centuries of speculation—from tulip mania to tech and AI—so we can understand not just what happened, but why it keeps happening.

To connect with Aman: www.bigbubbletrouble.com www.amanverjee.com

About Karen Rands

Karen Rands is the founder of The Compassionate Capitalist Movement™. As a Venture Catalyst and best-selling author, she is disrupting the status quo by equipping a new generation of "Compassionalists" to bridge the wealth gap through private equity and small business investment.

Bridge the Wealth Gap: Get Karen’s Books on Amazon

Join the Academy: The Compassionalist Academy™ (Sign up now for 25% off the annual license!)

If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow leader ready to disrupt the average.

http://compassionalistacademy.com

Tags: financial bubbles, investment strategies, economic history, venture capital, tulip mania, railroad boom, dot-com bubble, market psychology, cheap money, Aman Verjee, Compassionate Capitalist Show.

The Great Debate: Build from Scratch or Buy the System?

Most entrepreneurs face a fork in the road: Do you spend years building a brand from the ground up, or do you leverage a proven system to leapfrog the struggle? This episode isn't just about buying a job—it’s about understanding the science of franchising as a wealth-creation strategy.

I sit down with Cliff Nonnenmacher, author of Beyond the Brand, to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to succeed in franchising. We move past the marketing gloss to discuss the leadership demands, the risk metrics, and the capital strategies that separate "burnt-out operators" from "successful investors."

If you’ve ever considered franchising as your path to entrepreneurship or a way to diversify your investment portfolio, this conversation is your roadmap to making a smarter, more confident move.

Key Takeaways

The Master Franchise Edge: Why territorial rights and sub-franchising are the "power moves" of the industry.

The Owner-Operator Trap: How to shift from "working in" the business to "leading" the system.

Capital Strategy 101: Navigating SBA loans, ROBS strategies, and the rise of community-based funding.

The Trade Skill Renaissance: Why "blue-collar" trade skills are becoming the most valuable assets in the modern economy.

Mindset vs. Market: Why fear—not failure—is the #1 hurdle to entrepreneurial success.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – The Great Debate: Startups vs. Franchising

03:54 – Master Franchising: Owning the Territory

12:01 – Navigating the Franchise Investment Landscape

21:17 – The Owner-Operator Dilemma: Managing vs. Doing

32:02 – Beyond the Brand: Actionable Insights for Investors

37:01 – Financing the Dream: SBA, ROBS, and Capital Hurdles

49:44 – Community-Based Funding: A New Way to Scale

01:00:34 – The Future of Business: The Importance of Trade Skills

About Our Guest

Cliff Nonnenmacher is a premier voice in franchising and the founder of Franocity. Having sat on every side of the table—from sales and franchisee to Master Franchisor—he now advises builders and acquirers on how to scale fearlessly.

Connect with Cliff: franocity.com

Get the Book: Beyond the Brand: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Fearless Franchising

About Karen Rands

Karen Rands is the founder of The Compassionate Capitalist Movement™. As a Venture Catalyst and best-selling author, she is disrupting the status quo by equipping a new generation of "Compassionalists" to bridge the wealth gap through private equity and small business investment.

Bridge the Wealth Gap: Get Karen’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Rands/author/B073R2N1TL

Join the Academy: The Compassionalist Academy™ (Sign up now for 25% off the annual license!) bit.ly/CA-prelaunch

If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow leader ready to disrupt the average.

#CompassionateCapitalist #Franchising #WealthCreation #CapitalStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset #VentureCatalyst

Most people think angel investing is risky and only for the ultra-wealthy, but the real myth is believing you can’t build wealth backing the right entrepreneurs. Karen Rands clears the confusion, showing how everyday people can move from misconceptions to meaningful wealth creation.

Drawing from decades of experience, she reveals the myths that hold people back, the hidden risks in traditional investing, and why private companies often deliver more predictable long-term value than stocks or rental properties. She shares stories and explains how angel investing can provide short-term returns, ongoing income, and long-term “big wins.”

Karen also introduces her Angel Profitability Blueprint and Wealth Maximizer System, guiding investors to evaluate deals, manage risk, and build a diversified portfolio of 10+ high-potential companies, even with modest capital.

If you’ve wondered whether angel investing is “too risky” or “only for the wealthy,” this conversation shows how the right strategy can turn myths into millions.

Takeaways

• Angel investing is a viable asset class for wealth building.

• The Jobs Act of 2012 opened doors for non-millionaires to invest.

• Investing in entrepreneurs can yield higher returns than traditional investments.

• Education is crucial for understanding angel investing.

• Many successful business owners overlook angel investing opportunities.

• Angel investing can be emotionally rewarding and impactful.

• Diversification is key to managing risks in angel investing.

• The perception of angel investing as risky is often based on myths.

• Community impact is a significant benefit of angel investing.

• The compassionate capitalist movement aims to educate and empower new investors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Angel Investing and Myths

02:32 The Impact of the Jobs Act on Angel Investing

05:48 The Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System

08:36 Understanding the Profitability of Angel Investing

11:22 The Historical Context of Angel Investing

13:57 The Barriers to Angel Investing Awareness

17:09 Real Stories: The Value of Investing in Entrepreneurs

19:55 The Emotional Aspect of Investing

22:52 The Disconnect in Financial Advisory

25:26 The Comparison with Cryptocurrency and Market Trends

32:41 The Volatility of Cryptocurrency

38:02 Understanding Angel Investing

42:35 The Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

47:38 Real Estate vs. Entrepreneurial Investments

54:25 The Future of Investing in Startups

About Karen Rands

Karen Rands is the founder of The Compassionate Capitalist Movement - bringing to the entrepreneur / investor ecosystem a new generation of 'Compassionalists™" so entrepreneurs have more available capital and people previously shut out of the millionaire wealth creation strategies can build wealth by investing in entrepreneurs for purpose, passion and profit and share in their success without all the risk of being the entrepreneur.

Get the Book that launched a movement: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation

Grab the book that is disrupting the status quo and inspiring a new generation that they have it in their power to leap the wealth gap: Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing. Follow Jane’s Journey: See How a New Generation Builds Wealth with Purpose, Passion and Profit.

Get the books - https://amzn.to/47D5Lwz

Sign up for The Compassionalist Academy, COMING SOON, and if you hurry you just might get in on the countdown to launch and claim 25% on an annual license. http://compassionalistacademy.com

Many founders pour all their energy into running a successful crowdfunding campaign, but once the capital comes in, they make the same costly mistake: they stop engaging the very community they worked so hard to build.

In this episode, I sit down with Joey Hayes to unpack what really happens after the raise and why so many entrepreneurs lose momentum once the campaign closes. Joey shares insights from investing in more than 60 crowdfunded startups, breaking down why founders struggle with post-campaign strategy, how to activate their investor community, and the simple habits that make raising the next round dramatically easier.

If you have ever launched a crowdfunding campaign or plan to raise capital, this conversation will show you how to turn your crowd into a long-term strategic asset and not just a one-time source of money.

Takeaways

• Post-campaign strategies are crucial for maintaining momentum.

• Many founders fail to engage their investor community after a raise.

• Investors want to help but often don't know how to engage.

• Asking for help is a skill that can be developed over time.

• Regular communication with investors can alleviate anxiety and build trust.

• Founders should thank their investors and keep them informed.

• Understanding investor dynamics can enhance future fundraising efforts.

• Crowdfunding can serve as a powerful marketing tool for startups.

• Building a sustainable investor community requires ongoing effort.

• Service and communication are key to successful investor relations.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Post-Campaign Strategy

02:43 Identifying the Gap in Founder-Investor Engagement

05:33 Activating the Investor Community

10:50 Overcoming Emotional Barriers to Communication

14:14 Best Practices for Post-Raise Engagement

17:14 The Value of Crowdfunding in Capital Strategy

21:08 The Importance of Marketing in Capital Raising

22:24 Engaging Investors: Building Community and Trust

24:21 The Post-Raise Gap: Maintaining Investor Relationships

27:06 Setting Communication Expectations with Investors

29:04 Service and Hospitality: Enhancing Investor Experience

31:52 The Power of Consistent Communication

34:51 Best Practices for Entrepreneurs in Capital Raising

About Jooy Hayes

Joey Hayes brings over 15 years of global partnership and commercial growth experience, having worked with major brands like IHG, Hyatt, Hilton, and Booking.com. As an investor in more than 60 crowdfunded startups, he has a deep understanding of the crowdfunding ecosystem and what it really takes for founders to raise capital successfully. Through his company, Thru, Joey helps founders unlock the full value of their investor community and build long-term momentum beyond the initial raise.

To connect with Joey, email: joey at comethru.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joeyhayes1

About Karen Rands

I'm Karen Rands, founder of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement. I help entrepreneurs prepare to raise capital the smart way and guide investors in identifying startup opportunities that build wealth and make a difference. This show is your roadmap to funding success, from pitch deck to public offering.

📅 Want expert feedback on your pitch? Book a consult with me: bit.ly/KCHcalendar 🔗 Learn more: karenrands.co 🎧 Catch more episodes: thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com 📘 Free eBook: The 4 Ws of Crowdfund Investing: https://bit.ly/FreeCrowdfundInvestingBook 🎓 Join the Academy: bit.ly/CA-prelaunch

Who really gets to invest, and why does it matter?

In this episode, Erik Nelson and I unpack the evolving world of accredited investor definitions and investment rules. We explore how SEC regulations, income thresholds, and state policies shape access to private investments, crowdfunding, and capital raising opportunities.

Together, we look at the balance between investor protection and financial inclusion, and how some of today’s rules may unintentionally widen the wealth gap. We also share insights on practical investment strategies for building financial independence, especially through angel investing and crowdfund investing.

I also reflect on the mission behind my latest book, Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing: Follow Jane’s Journey, created to inspire and guide new investors to build wealth with purpose, passion, and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• The accredited investor rules limit investment opportunities based on income and net worth.

• There is a push to change these rules to allow more individuals to invest in private companies.

• Current regulations are inconsistent, allowing gambling yet restricting investing in entrepreneurs as an asset class.

• Investing in businesses can yield higher returns than traditional stocks.

• The SEC aims to balance investor protection with capital accessibility.

• State regulations can complicate capital raising efforts for businesses.

• A landmark lawsuit is challenging the SEC's accredited investor rules as unconstitutional.

• The future may see tests for investor qualifications to assess knowledge rather than wealth.

• Karen asserts that creating that type of test will be challenging because there are so many factors that can impact a company's success, and therefore contribute to the risk and decision process of investing in private companies, particularly as startups.

• Diversifying investments across multiple companies, and as Karen teaches in her book, variations of investment by stage, industry, and structure of offering can improve the overall performance of an angel investor / crowdfund investor portfolio.

• Investors should only invest in what they understand and no more than they can afford to lose.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Accredited Investor Rules

10:13 Pros and Cons of Income-Based Investment Guidelines

25:13 Historical Context of Accredited Investor Regulations

27:57 Understanding Private Funds and Lawsuits

30:01 The Role of ICANN and Landmark Lawsuits

33:10 Challenging SEC Rules and Wealth Inequality

35:56 The Future of Investor Accreditation

40:06 Building a Diverse Investment Portfolio

44:09 The Math Behind Investment Strategies

49:57 Investing Smarter: Beyond Traditional 401(k)s.

About Erik Nelson

Erik Nelson is President of Coral Capital, Mountain Share Transfer, and Sterling Holdings. His teams specialize in helping private and public companies meet their compliance obligations and stay in good standing with regulatory agencies. Erik and I co-host the Capital Conversations podcast, where we unpack the strategies and realities of raising capital, going public, and managing investor relations.

🔗 Learn more about Erik: LinkedIn | coralcapital.com

About Karen Rands

Karen Rands, founder of the Compassionate Capitalist™ Movement, empowers everyday people to build wealth by investing in innovative entrepreneurs through angel and crowdfunding opportunities. Author of Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing, she also hosts the top-ranked Compassionate Capitalist™ Show. Through The Compassionate Capitalist Academy™, Karen provides tools and education to help investors fund innovation with confidence.

🌐 kugarand.com

🎓 Compassionalist.Academy

🔗 All things Karen

Get my New Book: https://amzn.to/4gmUFyq

As I talk with entrepreneurs and investors, I often see how easily people overlook the power of strong investor relationships. It’s not just about getting funding, it’s about building trust that lasts.

In this episode, I sit down with Alan Kadish to talk about how founders can build resilience through honest, consistent communication with investors. Alan shares what investors really look for, how transparency earns confidence, and why the best partnerships go beyond money.

If you’re raising capital or managing investor expectations, this conversation will help you see how strong relationships can carry your business through tough times.

Takeaways

• Alan Kadesh has a diverse background in innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Timing is crucial for entrepreneurial success.

• InvestorMatch.ai aims to improve the capital raising process.

• The platform is free for founders, funded by investors.

• Understanding cap tables is essential for startups.

• Navigating regulatory challenges in biomed tech requires expertise.

• ExpertScale.ai allows for the encapsulation of knowledge.

• Investors are increasingly sophisticated in their decision-making.

• AI is transforming the way entrepreneurs connect with investors.

• The importance of due diligence in the investment process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alan Kadesh and His Innovations

02:34 From Surfboards to Bioparticles: Alan's Journey

06:10 The Importance of Timing in Entrepreneurship

08:52 Introducing InvestorMatch.ai: A New Era in Capital Raising

16:52 Streamlining Connections: The Efficiency of InvestorMatch.ai

20:54 Understanding Cap Tables and Financial Forecasting

28:38 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Biomed Tech

33:14 ExpertScale.ai: Capturing Knowledge for Future Generations

About Alan Kadish

Dr. Alan Kadish is an innovator, entrepreneur, and active angel investor with decades of experience building and funding breakthrough technologies. He’s the founder of InvestorMatch.ai, which uses AI to connect founders with the right capital partners, and ExpertScale.ai, which creates intelligent digital avatars that mirror your expertise to boost productivity.

With a background spanning biomedical research, bioengineering, and venture capital, Alan brings a unique blend of science, strategy, and mentorship to every venture.

Learn more at InvestorMatch.ai and ExpertScale.ai.

About Karen Rands

I'm Karen Rands, founder of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement. I help entrepreneurs prepare to raise capital the smart way and guide investors in identifying startup opportunities that build wealth and make a difference. This show is your roadmap to funding success, from pitch deck to public offering.

📅 Want expert feedback on your pitch? Book a consult with me: bit.ly/KCHcalendar 🔗 Learn more: karenrands.co 🎧 Catch more episodes: thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com 📘 Free eBook: The 4 Ws of Crowdfund Investing: https://bit.ly/FreeCrowdfundInvestingBook 🎓 Join the Academy: bit.ly/CA-prelaunch