How to Raise Capital - Advice from Exited Founders & Early Stage VCs (October 5, 2022)

Headline after headline reports that venture capital investment in tech startups is declining. According to a recent report, VC-backed companies in the U.S. raised $58 billion in Q2 2022, a 23 percent decline from $77 billion in Q1 2022.

In light of the decline, startup founders need to be more strategic than ever when raising capital. This means developing a better understanding of what investors are looking for, and ensuring you leave a lasting impression when you ultimately secure a meeting.

At an fnChicago Chapter event on October 5, Founders Network members will have the opportunity to learn from both startup founders and VCs about strategies for raising capital. The event will feature a panel discussion and a select number of attendees will be able to submit pitch decks for feedback from the panelists.

About the Panel

Jason Jacobsohn

For 20+ years, Jason has been an advocate for entrepreneurs by connecting them to growth resources such as investors, advisors, and strategic partners. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Propellant Ventures, which is a Seed stage fund that invests in the growth of Chicago and the greater Midwest across a broad range of powerful, diverse, and leading-edge B2B industries. Prior to launching Propellant Ventures, Jason was a Principal at Alumni Ventures Group (AVG) and led due diligence for Bascom Ventures, which is a venture capital fund that invests in seed, growth, and later stage companies with a Wisconsin alumni connection. In addition, Jason launched and currently runs the Chicago chapter of Founder Institute, which is the world’s largest entrepreneur pre-seed accelerator for technology companies. Further, Jason is an adjunct faculty member of DePaul University and teaches classes on entrepreneurship.

Landon Campbell

Landon Campbell is the General Manager of Chicago for Drive Capital. He's a DePaul University graduate and previously worked at the Chicago Tribune, Cameo, and Motorola Solutions. He's the Host of a top business podcast called inTheir20s, where he interviews influential leaders to talk about their 20s. Past guests include: Steve Wozniak, Ev Williams, Mayor Francis Suarez, and Tim Draper.

Marc Halpin

Marc Halpin is a serial entrepreneur and has spent his career building venture-backed startups. He is currently the Founder of Kerosene Ventures, a platform that connects founders with early-stage investors. Previously, Marc was CEO & Founder of Kapow, a digital marketplace for corporate events that operated nationally with over 250 employees.

Marc is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs through the process of raising capital and uses his leadership skills to consult other like-minded Founders. He has experience scaling startups globally and has raised upwards of $50M for his own businesses. He is also a Mentor for Future Founders, mHUB and Next Gen HQ where he enjoys hosting workshops, judging pitch competitions and meeting one-on-one with entrepreneurs.

Marc is originally from the U.K. and has resided in Chicago for the last 15 years. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons, traveling and spending time with his two children.

Christian Anastabiades

Christian Anastabiades was part of the founding team at 2ndKitchen where he led sales and customer growth. 2ndKitchen was a Techstars company that raised two rounds before getting acquired in 2021. Christian is currently part of the leadership team of a series B healthtech startup, Torch Technology.

All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity.