OTR/OTR: Alternative funding pathways for non-venture small businesses

99.9% of American businesses, over 33 million, are small businesses.

Small businesses are the backbone of America, employing over 60 million Americans, nearly half of all private sector employees. Over a 25 year period (1995 to 2021) small businesses created over 60% of all new jobs.

Yet, within the tech ecosystem, most of the attention and media centers on large companies and valuations.

Jonathan Bragdon, Managing Partner at Capacity Capital, invests in underestimated founders, located primarily in the U.S. Southeast, building cash-efficient, high-growth companies, whether they are tech companies or not.

Teri Billon, a new e-commerce entrepreneur with large contracts right out the gate, will share her experience building a new small business in 2025.

With new customer contracts pending, Teri needs to raise six-figures to purchase goods for new orders. While she knows about a few potential pathways to access the funding she needs, for both specific orders and to grow her business, she’s looking for clarity on what types of funding might be best suited, given her stage and goals.

Before engaging in a ‘mini-pitch’ conversation, we’ll have a Q&A with Jonathan about topics like:

• Evolving perspectives on ownership and exits in recent years

• Funding considerations for high-growth small businesses

• Signals that indicate whether capital could be catalytic

• Non-traditional deal structures and funding tools like:

  • shared revenue agreements and redeemable equity

  • revenue based financing, e.g., invoice and purchase order financing

Teri will share her entrepreneurial journey and ‘mini-pitch’ her six-figure funding needs to Jonathan, who will share feedback and advice on potential pathways.

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Interested in attending? Email events@productadvisorycollective.com

What are "On the Record/Off the Record" (OTR/OTR) conversations?

The first half hour of an OTR/OTR conversation is recorded, and clips will be shared online ("On the Record"). The second part will be a private Q&A with invited attendees (Off the Record").Challenging the Status Quo: Contrarian or Common Sense?