Raising the Round

Raising the Round is a practical workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and startup founders better understand how to raise equity capital and position their business for investment success. This session provides a clear overview of valuation, ownership, deal structures, fundraising strategy, and investor expectations. Led by Ricco Mendes, a venture and finance professional focused on startup investing, portfolio support, and capital strategy, participants will gain insight from someone who has worked directly with startups, investors, and growth-stage companies. Through his work in Ventures & Finance at StartUp Health, as well as previous experience in investor services and valuations at Carta, Ricco has helped founders navigate cap tables, valuation challenges, and fundraising decisions. Participants will explore how investors evaluate opportunities, learn how to prepare for a capital raise, and develop a more strategic approach to fundraising. By addressing common fundraising mistakes and breaking down what drives investment decisions, this workshop equips founders with the knowledge and confidence needed to engage investors and execute a successful raise.

Topics:

• Equity Financing Fundamentals
• Valuation & Ownership
• Deal Structures & Instruments
• Planning Your Raise
• Financial Models & Metrics
• Pitch Deck & Storytelling
• Executing the Fundraise

Presented by:

• Ricco Mendes