Ryan Wilson

At what stage is your startup ready to raise capital? In this lesson, Ryan helps you answer that question, and more.

In this lesson, Ryan teaches you about various types of capital: venture, debt, angel investing and crowd investing. You’ll also learn the differences between the pre-seed, seed, and friends and family rounds. Ryan shares how he decided which capital was best for his business.

What is a pitch deck and why do you need one? In this lesson, Ryan teaches you about what should be included in your pitch deck, as well as the do’s and don’ts.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use your existing network to get introductions to interested investors. You’ll also understand how to do your own research to make cold connections. Ryan shares how he was able to get artists and athletes invested in his company, and his advice for others looking to do the same.

Learn how to prepare for and handle yourself at investor pitch meetings. Ryan offers guidance around determining whether pitch competitions are right for you, and he shares the best and worst pitch meetings he’s attended.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to properly view equity in your company, how to maintain control even when you give up equity, the differences between ownership and control, and key advice around retaining your equity as a founder of color.

How do you build resilience when you’re told “no” more than “yes”? Ryan offers seasoned guidance, and helps you determine what to do or say when an investor tells you “no.”

Ryan gives you some tips and a few firms to consider for your next fund raise. He also shares the things he wishes he knew before raising money, the VC firms or networks that founders of color can go to once they’re ready to raise money, and how often you should interact or report to your investors after securing funding.