Ready for growth but not sure whether to take on debt, raise equity, or both? We sit down with Kimberly Evans—banker, CFO, and multi-company founder—to translate funding jargon into plain English and map a path from corporate comfort to entrepreneurial control. Kimberly shares why equity dilution isn’t losing, it’s leveraging; how to time your first raise; and what separates a credible founder from a risky bet in the eyes of investors.
We get tactical fast. Kimberly outlines the early team investors look for—CEO, an operator who can execute, and a real financial partner (accountant or fractional CFO)—plus the tech lead who can build systems and defend them. We unpack what belongs in a tight investor deck, how to keep a clean cap table, and why a secure data room can win you a second meeting. Clean numbers beat hype every time, and realistic projections grounded in sales cycles signal you understand your market. We also dive into the growing importance of cybersecurity for both lenders and equity partners. If ransomware can end your business, it can end their return, so show your policies, controls, and incident response.
Kimberly doesn’t shy away from the human side. Many high performers struggle with the ego and habits that made them great employees but shaky founders. Her Bridge 40 method helps leaders rebuild mindset, automate operations, and design for time and location freedom. We contrast bank lending’s narrow box with equity’s portfolio logic so you can pick the right capital for your stage and risk profile. You’ll leave with a practical checklist: build the team, validate demand, tighten financials, secure your tech, package the deal, and ask for exactly what you need.
If this conversation helped clarify your next move, follow the show, share it with a founder friend, and leave a review. Your feedback helps more builders find the capital and clarity to scale.

Support the show

If you need assistance in obtaining funding, book a free discovery call at www.tdjequityllc.net. Let us know the scope of funding needed and the amount. A broker will contact you to discuss your funding needs. And remember, at TDJ Equity Funding, we do not force your funding needs into a lender's box but find a lender's box that fits you!