Navigating funding sources: From crowdfunding to private equity

"I think it's a really exciting time to be an entrepreneur. I think it's a really exciting time to be thinking about raising capital." 

—Bill Shen, Enore Consumer Capital

Part 1: Accelerator program funding

Highlights:

• SKU's Shari Wynne Ressler describes how SKU works and what acceleration programs can do for brands.  
• What investors want to know from emerging brands. 

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Part 2: Venture capital funding

Highlights:

• Accel Foods' Jordan Gasper gives an overview of the venture fund model of investment.
• What are venture funds like Accel Foods looking for in a company or brand? 

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Part 3: Crowdfunding and alternative funding sources

Highlights:

• Wild Friends Foods' Keeley Tilotson talks crowdfunding, alternative fundraising and Shark Tank. 
• How Tilotson balances being an entrepreneur, a founder and a fund-raiser. 

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Part 4: Angel investment communities 

Highlights:

• Slow Money Institute's Arno Hesse discusses value-driven angel investors and how the landscape is changing. 
• Four current "hot buttons" in Slow Money Institute's community. 

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Part 5: Private equity funding, Q&A 

Highlights:

• Enore Consumer Capital's Bill Shen describes the "grey areas" in the world of private equity. 
• What is the methodology and mindset for private equity and venture capital investors?

This session—Demystifying the F Word: Navigating the Funding Relationship—was recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2017.