Thinking about raising venture capital for your startup or growing business? In this episode of Scrushy on Business, Richard Scrushy breaks down what founders need to know before pitching VCs—plus what investors look for (and what gets you turned down fast).

Richard shares real-world lessons from building and backing companies, including why speed and scale often matter more than early profitability, and how to structure your company so you don't kill your deal before it starts. He also discusses how media is changing (radio vs. digital platforms), why hyper-local content matters, and how today's founders can adapt to a world driven by phones, streaming, and YouTube.

• What venture capital firms look for in a founder and a pitch

• The pitch deck flow: problem → solution → market size → traction → go-to-market → financials

• Why "Why now?" and "Why you?" can make or break your raise

• How to explain market size, growth, and scaling strategy

• What "burn rate" means and why VCs obsess over it

• Why your cap table and company structure must be clean

• How vesting equity can retain key leaders and reduce turnover

• Term sheet red flags: board control, anti-dilution, authority limits, and founder protection

• Why being prepared (down to details) matters in investor meetings

• How founders should respond to rejection—and use feedback to improve

Got a question you want answered on the show? Email info@scrushyonbusiness.com.

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In this episode of Scrushy on Business, Dave Greene and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy break down the real world of venture capital, sky-high AI valuations, and the practical steps every entrepreneur must take to start and grow a business the right way.

From OpenAI's $300B valuation and SpaceX as the world's most valuable private company, to Databricks' bold claim it can become a $1 trillion AI company, Richard explains how investors actually think about valuation, dilution, and return on investment—and what that means for your startup.

Then the conversation pivots from Wall Street to Main Street, as Richard lays out the traits of a true entrepreneur and his 9 key steps for starting a business: from researching your idea and naming your company to building your brand, website, and marketing plan. He also shares how to structure your company, attract investors, and avoid common mistakes that kill deals before they start.

You'll also hear:

• Why some biotech and AI companies raise millions without being profitable

• How investors look at pre-money vs. post-money valuation

• What anti-dilution clauses are and why they can cripple a company

• Real-world stories from Richard's $1.7 billion acquisition experience

• How to negotiate with owners who are emotionally attached to their business

• Richard's daily habits and routines (including his 7-day-a-week workout) that keep him sharp as a leader

• How entrepreneurs can find their purpose even when they're just trying to survive and pay the bills

This episode is brought to you by:

DraftKings: Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code SCRUSHY. Bet five bucks and get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

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In this episode of Scrushy on Business, Richard Scrushy opens up about legal battles, dishonest lawyers, and conflicts of interest that nearly destroyed his life and career – and how he is fighting back. He explains what really happened in his federal case, being found not guilty on 36 counts, and why entrepreneurs must protect themselves in today's litigious business environment.

Richard also digs into the business lessons behind the headlines:

• How conflict of interest in law firms can devastate a client

• Why you must run conflict checks and ask tough questions of your attorneys and advisors

• How media narratives get built – and why the truth doesn't always "catch up" online

• What Sarbanes-Oxley, SEC rules, and stock exchange regulations really mean for founders and CEOs

Then the conversation turns to entrepreneurship in healthcare and leadership:

• Is healthcare still a good industry for entrepreneurs? (Short answer: yes)

• Where the opportunities are in urgent care, telemedicine, diagnostics, and biologics

• How to create an ownership mindset in your company with stock options and shared upside

• Why faith and intuition in business matter when you're deciding who to trust and who to walk away from

If you're a business owner, startup founder, healthcare entrepreneur, MBA student, or executive, this episode is packed with real-world insight you won't get in a textbook: lawsuits, regulation, leadership, corporate governance, and the personal toll of being a high-profile CEO.

📝 Topics in this episode include:

• Legal ethics, conflicts of interest & dishonest lawyers

• How prosecutors and media shape a public narrative

• Public company governance, SEC & stock exchange rules

• Healthcare business opportunities & controlling costs

• Building an ownership culture with stock options

• Faith, intuition, and character in leadership

📩 Have a question for Richard?
Email: info@ScrushyOnBusiness.com and your question might be featured in a future episode.

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