This episode is everything I wish more founders knew about fundraising—from why net sales matter more than gross to how valuations are actually shaped (spoiler: it’s not just about your revenue multiple). We talk about the mindset it takes to build a brand that lasts, how to stay focused when the market is noisy, and why so many founders get stuck chasing exits instead of building businesses.

Whether you’re getting ready to raise or still in the messy middle, Rodney brings two decades of honest, no-BS insight. This conversation is one I wish I had ten years ago—and I think a lot of founders will feel the same.

Fundraising in 2025 feels different than it used to. It is harder, slower, and less forgiving than in years past. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Young—an experienced operator, investor, and partner at Manna Tree—to have an honest conversation about what is really happening in the investment landscape right now.

We cover:

• Why the bar for raising money has become significantly higher
• What actually makes investors say yes in today’s market
• How self-awareness has become one of the most valuable traits a founder can possess
• When it might be time to double down—or step aside
• Why a polished pitch deck no longer guarantees interest

If you are in the trenches trying to raise capital, scale your brand, or simply lead with more intention, this episode will meet you where you are.

My candid conversation with VC Andy Whitman — why he turned me down, what I learned, and what you need to know before pitching your brand to an investor. We get into the mistakes founders make, how investors actually think about valuation, and why the best time to raise money is when you don’t need it.