In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Jenny Kassan, a seasoned attorney, author, and president of the Crowdfunding Professional Association to discuss how crowdfunding can be a powerful tool to close the wealth gap and fund businesses without compromisingownership or vision.

Jenny shares her journey from Yale Law School to the front lines of economic justice, advocating for community-based investment models that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs. We unpack the systemic barriers to capital, the widening racial wealth gap, and why traditional financing often leaves small businesses behind.

This episode dives into the practical and strategic side of raising capital, exploring revenue-based financing, the pros and cons of debt vs. equity, and how to align your fundraising strategy with your business model. Whether you're a founder, investor, or policymaker, you'll walk away with powerful insights on how to fund innovation while building stronger local economies.

🎯 After listening to myconversation with Jenny Kassan, here are the key takeaways to remember:

• Crowdfunding offers an inclusive path to capital and wealth creation.
• Community based finance supports sustainable, local economic growth.
• Access to capital is foundational for entrepreneurship and job creation.
• Revenue-based financing is investor friendly and founder-sustaining
• Structure your fundraising to fit your business, not the other way round.
• Education, advocacy and local ecosystems are vital to crowdfunding's future.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wealth Creation and Capital Access02:25 The Role of Crowdfunding in Economic Development05:16 Meet Jenny Kassan: A Champion for Entrepreneurs06:04 Jenny's Journey: From Yale to Public Service08:32 Understanding Economic Disparities and Structural Issues11:30 The Importance of Access to Capital15:21 Crowdfunding as a Path to Economic Mobility18:31 Revenue-Based Financing: A New Approach25:35 Community Impact and Success Stories31:36 Understanding Debt vs. Equity Financing35:22 Designing Your Fundraising Strategy39:04 The Importance of Investor Mindset40:46 Community-Based Finance Success Stories46:00 Building Local Ecosystems for Investment49:37 Advocacy and Future of Crowdfunding

About the Guest – Jenny Kassan
Jenny Kassan is the founder of The Kassan Group, where she offers legal and strategic support for capital raises tailored to small businesses. She’s the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms and a nationally recognized leader in impact investing. With nearly 30 years of experience, Jenny now leads the Crowdfunding Professional Association and continues to champion a more inclusive financial future.🌐 Learn more at jennykassan.com📘Check out the Crowdfunding Professional Association: cfpa.org

About the Host – Karen Rands
I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors build wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share real conversations and practical strategies to help you grow, fund, and exit your business the smart way.

🔗 Learn more: karenrands.co
🎙 Listen to all episodes: thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com
📘 Download my free ebook: The 4 Ws of Crowdfund Investing
🎓Join the Compassionalist Academy: bit.ly/CA-prelaunch

In this episode, I dive into the core of what Compassionate Capitalism really means and that’s creating wealth for yourself while lifting up entrepreneurs in the process. One of the most powerful tools we have today to make that happen is crowdfunding investing.

I break down the different types of crowdfunding, and why equity crowdfunding is such a game changer, not just for startups, but for everyday investors who want to put their money to work with meaning.

I also tackle the big question: "Is it risky?" Sure, there are risks, but I explain how to navigate them wisely. More importantly, I stress how critical it is that women and minorities get equal access to these wealth-building opportunities.

If you've ever thought about investing in a way that aligns with your values, this episode is your roadmap. Join me as we explore how you can build wealth with purpose through crowdfunding investing.

Key takeaways from the episode:

• Compassionate Capitalism means building wealth while making a difference.

• Crowdfunding opens access to early-stage investing for everyone.

• Equity crowdfunding lets you own a piece of businesses you believe in.

• Education reduces risk and leads to smarter investing.

• Inclusive investing helps close the wealth gap.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Capitalism

03:56 The Importance of Funding for Entrepreneurs

06:51 Understanding Crowdfunding Investing

12:45 Types of Crowdfunding Investments

20:20 Risk and Misconceptions in Investing

29:56 Investing in Solutions for Tomorrow

34:29 The Democratization of Investment

39:41 Empowering Underrepresented Investors

47:31 Building Wealth Through Community Investment

54:14 Strategies for Sustainable Wealth Building

About Me: I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors create wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share practical advice and real conversations to help you build, scale, and exit businesses the smart way.

📲 Learn more at⁠ karenrands.co⁠

See all our podcast episodes at⁠ http://thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com⁠

Sign up for Compassionalist Academy⁠ https://bit.ly/CA-prelaunch⁠

Download my free ebook “4Ws of Crowdfunding” https://bit.ly/FreeCrowdfundInvestingBook

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Dr. Howard Polansky former dentist turned financial coach, to explore how small business owners can escape the cycle of debt and regain control of their finances. Learn how to use lines of credit strategically, reduce interest payments, and improve cash flow without sacrificing growth.

If you're tired of letting your finances control your future, this episode will show you how to become your own CFO - a Cash Flow Optimizer, so you can grow your business and live the life you’ve worked so hard to build.

Key Takeaways:

• Many startups rely on personal credit to get off the ground, which can become a long-term burden.

• Investors prefer to fund revenue-generating strategies, not debt repayments.

• Lines of credit, when cycled properly, can lower interest and reduce monthly payments.

• Interest-only payments offer flexibility for businesses needing cash flow.

• Not all debt is created equal—know the difference between fixed loans and lines of credit.

• Paying extra on your mortgage doesn’t reduce the monthly obligation—learn smarter strategies.

• Access to liquidity is crucial for day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

• Strategic financial planning can lead to faster business acceleration and reduced stress.

• Entrepreneurs need financial education to make informed decisions and take back control.

• Becoming your own CFO starts with understanding your numbers and using the right tools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Capitalism

04:05 Understanding Startup Debt Challenges

07:52 Dr. Polansky's Personal Journey

12:20 The Shift from Dentistry to Financial Coaching

13:11 Strategies for Managing Debt

18:40 Utilizing Lines of Credit Effectively

23:39 Optimizing Cash Flow for Business Owners

29:57 Understanding Lines of Credit and Debt Management

36:20 The Importance of Interest Rates and Loan Structures

40:34 Final Thoughts and Resources for Business Growth

About Dr. Howard Polansky

Dr. Howard Polansky is a former dentist turned financial strategist who now helps small business owners implement simple systems to dramatically lower fixed debt payments. His approach allows entrepreneurs to reduce financial stress, improve monthly cash flow, and reach their business and lifestyle goals faster.

Grab his free ebook: “Financially LED or Financially Dead? The Introduction to Cash Flow Optimization” 👉 financiallyled.com/ebook

About the Karen Rands

I’m Karen Rands, host of The Compassionate Capitalist Show and advocate for innovation-led wealth creation. My mission is to help entrepreneurs and investors scale businesses strategically and profitably—with the right capital and smart planning.

Learn more: karenrands.co Full podcast archive: The Compassionate Capitalist Show Join the Compassionate Capitalist Academy: Sign Up Here Download my free eBook: “12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth”

In this episode, I sit down with communication expert Alfred Poor to talk about a skill every entrepreneur needs but only few truly master - how to show up and stand out on video. Whether you are pitching to investors, leading a virtual team or presenting at a conference, your presence on screen can make or break your message.

We talk about the practical stuff like posture, eye contact, and why those fancy virtual backgrounds might be hurting more than helping. We talk about the importance of being intentional in how you communicate, how to ease presentation jitter and why strong openings and closings are key to leaving a lasting impression.

If you are a founder or visionary leader, this conversation will give you the tools to connect with your audience, build credibility and guide them towards that all-important next step in your business journey.

After listening to my conversation with Alfred Poor on this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, here are six key lessons I want you to take to heart when showing up on video:

• How you present yourself on screen can make or break your pitch.
• A good webcam, clean background, and proper lighting go a long way.
• Eye contact matters, so, look at the camera, not the screen.
• How you sit or stand directly impacts your confidence and how others perceive you.
• Don’t use scripts, use bullet points instead and speak from the heart to truly connect.
• Always lead your audience somewhere. A clear call to action keeps the conversation moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Video Communication for Founders

06:53 Introducing Alfred Poor: The Video Meeting Advisor

13:43 Key Strategies for Effective Virtual Presentations

19:34 Enhancing Engagement Through Nonverbal Communication

24:41 Practical Tips for Setting Up Your Video Environment

24:59 The Importance of Posture and Presence

26:45 Navigating Virtual Backgrounds Effectively

31:55 Mastering In-Person Presentations

33:08 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

35:59 The Art of Engaging Presentations

38:33 Crafting a Strong Start and Finish

41:32 The Goal of Engagement in Pitches

About the Guest - Alfred Poor
Alfred Poor is a keynote speaker, tech expert, and trusted video meeting advisor. He helps leaders and founders show up with confidence and clarity in virtual presentations, so their message truly lands. As a mentor with the Founder Institute and founder of The 75% Solution, Alfred empowers startups around the world to pitch with impact on screen.

Learn more at 👉 the75percent.com

About Me:
I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors create wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share practical advice and real conversations to help you build, scale, and exit businesses the smart way.

📲 Learn more at karenrands.co

If you've ever thought about selling your business or investing in one that might be sold down the road, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Rob Levin, Managing Partner at CIS Ventures, to talk about what it really takes to prepare your business for a successful and profitable exit.

Rob brings a wealth of experience from his time at Ernst & Young, his years as a serial entrepreneur, and now as an M&A advisor helping business owners avoid the common pitfalls that tank deals or leave money on the table.

What I love about Rob's approach is how focused he is on intentionality. He doesn’t just help businesses get sold—he helps them get ready to be sold the right way, to the right buyer, for the best possible outcome.

We dig into so much during this conversation, from setting expectations with buyers, to keeping your top talent through a transition, to organizing your books and systems so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Rob also shares why some companies get premium valuations while others struggle just to close a deal.

💡 Whether you're looking to sell in 12 months or just want to build long-term value, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• The main reason deals fall apart (and how to avoid it)
• Why early prep (like SOPs and clean financials) is key to a successful exit
• The role of culture, communication, and team retention in driving company value
• How to think like a buyer and present your business like a premium asset
• Why now is actually a great time to sell if you are ready

⏱️ Chapter Highlights:

00:00 – Intro & Rob’s path from CPA to entrepreneur to M&A advisor

06:18 – Why most deals fail: misalignment & poor preparation

14:11 – The power of intentional planning before you sell

23:35 – Communication during change: don’t lose your top people

29:06 – Preparing your business like a buyer is watching

41:34 – Final advice: act like you’re for sale every day

👤 About My Guest:
Rob Levin is Managing Partner at CISVentures, where he helps founder-led companies prepare for and execute successful exits. His firm provides pre-sale planning, deal structuring, and strategic advisory services to help owners maximize value and avoid costly mistakes.

🎁 Grab Rob’s free Pre-Sale Planning Guide at cisventures.net

👩‍💼 About Me:
I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors create wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share practical advice and real conversations to help you build, scale, and exit businesses the smart way.

📲Learn more at karenrands.co

True innovation often begins decades before commercialization—sparked by bold Compassionate Capitalists funding risky ideas to solve global challenges.

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, Karen Rands sits down with Melissa Beck, President of Anonymous Philanthropy, to reveal how strategic giving, grounded in entrepreneurial principles, can drive breakthroughs—from AI to virtual reality to space exploration.

Melissa is leading the charge to transform the coming Great Wealth Transfer into a Great Giving Transfer—inspiring individuals, families, and corporations to use their inherited or earned wealth with strategy and measurable impact.

We’ll explore why investing in communities, building sustainable wealth, and solving systemic issues are not only moral imperatives but also smart, scalable strategies for lasting change. Melissa’s journey—from Silicon Valley to nonprofit leadership to managing billion-dollar philanthropic portfolios—provides a powerful roadmap for making money matter.

This is a must-listen for anyone ready to embrace compassionate capitalism and fuel a better future.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🔗 Learn more about the Ansari XPRIZE’s impact on innovation:
Visit XPRIZE History

🎬 Chapters:
00:00 – The Essence of Compassionate Capitalism
04:36 – Transforming Wealth into Philanthropy
11:38 – Innovating Nonprofits for Greater Impact
20:44 – Shifting the Philanthropic Paradigm
27:53 – Leveraging Prizes for Innovation
31:30 – Challenges in Philanthropic Outcomes
37:41 – Teaching Investment in Communities for Sustainable Wealth

📚 About the Guest:
Melissa Beck is President of Anonymous Philanthropy, an advisory firm helping individuals, families, foundations, and corporations maximize the impact of their charitable dollars. Representing billions in philanthropy, Melissa’s team brings strategic, measurable outcomes to what is often an emotional giving process.

Previously, Melissa served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, where she led 300% revenue growth, achieved single-digit turnover, and earned national honors—including being the first nonprofit executive recognized at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Learn more: www.anonymousllc.com

🎧 Listen Now:
Catch the livestream replay on LinkedIn, YouTube, or stream it on Spotify and all major podcast platforms next week.

💬 Got a question for Karen or Melissa?
Email: karen@kugarandholdings.comor info@anonymousllc.com
Subject Line: Podcast Question – Transforming Wealth to Impact

What if your most passionate customers could also be your investors?

That question sparked an entire movement—and helped reshape the future of early-stage finance. In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with one of the original architects of the investment crowdfunding revolution, Sherwood “Woodie” Neiss.

Woodie is the Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors and the co-founder of the regulated investment crowdfunding movement. He literally walked the halls of Congress to help pass the JOBS Act, giving everyday people the right to invest in startups and private companies—an asset class that had been historically restricted to the wealthy.

He’s also behind a suite of groundbreaking platforms:

• • CrowdfundCapitalAdvisors.com

• • D3VC.ai – Diversified data-driven VC

• • CClear.ai – Data & insights on the crowdfunding market

• • GUARDD.com – Governance & compliance tools for digital assets

• • 📘 Get the book “Investomers”

Now, Woodie is back with a powerful new book: Investomers: How Customers-Turned-Investors Are Shaping the Future of Early-Stage Finance. In this fast-moving conversation, we dig into how this shift is transforming fundraising, why data is driving the future of private investing, and how startups can build resilient communities of investor-supporters.

This is a deep dive into the history, impact, and next wave of economic democratization; you don’t want to miss it

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• • The surprising story behind the creation of the JOBS Act

• • How turning customers into investors increases loyalty and long-term value

• • What data reveals about the companies succeeding in crowdfunding

• • Why VCs may be losing relevance in the wake of investor-backed communities

• • How platforms like D3VC.ai, CClear.ai, and GUARDD.com are shaping the next phase of the crowdfunding ecosystem

• • The rise of "Investomers" and the critical importance of trust and transparency in modern fundraising

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Crowdfunding and Economic Democratization

06:37 Woody Neiss: A Pioneer in Crowdfunding

11:53 The Journey of FlavorX and Its Impact

18:46 Advocating for Change: The Crowdfunding Legislation

24:34 The Importance of Data in Crowdfunding

29:37 Building a Comprehensive Crowdfunding Database

30:45 Navigating Secondary Trading and Compliance

33:03 Building a Technology Platform for Secondary Trading

34:47 Insights and Reports: Understanding the Crowdfunding Landscape

36:59 Offering Insight Reports: Valuation and Industry Comparisons

38:15 Capital Pulse: Analyzing Investment Signals

40:27 Launching a Venture Fund: Investing in Early Stage Companies

44:14 The Future of Investment Crowdfunding

49:10 The State of Venture Capital and Crowdfunding Awareness

54:33 The Rise of Influencers in Investment Crowdfunding

🎧 Listen Now:

Listen now and find out how to turn your customers to investors.

📌 Learn more about Karen Rands' work with entrepreneurs: ⁠Entrepreneurial Services⁠📌See the businesses Karen has helped: ⁠Customer Projects⁠📌Book a consultation with Karen: ⁠Schedule a Quick Call⁠

🚀 Like this episode? Follow, share, and drop a comment—let’s spread the word on converting customers to investors.

💬 Got a question for Karen or Woodie? Email: ⁠karen@kugarandholdings.com⁠or ⁠sherwood@theccagroup.com⁠

What Happens After a 9-Figure Exit? You Keep Building. 💼💥

When you’ve exited a company for nine figures—what’s next? For Jon Gosier, the answer was simple: build again, smarter and bigger.

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I reconnect with Jon Gosier, a serial entrepreneur who’s redefining what it means to create wealth across industries. From his time bootstrapping tech startups in Africa to co-founding Audigent—the adtech company that sold to Experian in late 2024—Jon has always been ahead of the curve. Now, with FilmHedge, he's bringing the same innovation to film financing, using fintech and AI to modernize how entertainment projects get funded.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or creative, this conversation will shift how you think about exits, partnerships, and funding the future.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ The untold story behind Audigent’s 9-figure acquisition by Experian
✔️ Why Jon walked away from adtech to pursue innovation in film and fintech
✔️ How FilmHedge is using AI and data to transform Hollywood finance
✔️ The challenges of bootstrapping and co-founder dynamics
✔️ What to consider when weighing IPO vs acquisition
✔️ How entrepreneurs can create long-term impact across multiple industries

🧭 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Jon Gosier's Journey
01:58 – The Vision Behind Audigent
06:41 – Understanding the AdTech Ecosystem
10:44 – Experian's Acquisition and Data Insights
12:22 – Transitioning to FilmHedge
14:51 – The Evolution of Entrepreneurial Vision
20:12 – Bootstrapping and Fundraising Challenges
22:48 – Exploring Exit Strategies
25:50 – FilmHedge: A FinTech Approach to Film Financing
29:50 – Understanding Film Financing and Distribution
36:10 – The Role of Southbox Entertainment
44:11 – Navigating the Application Process
49:00 – Building a Thriving Film Ecosystem

📌 Learn more about FilmHedge: filmhedge.com/criteria
📌 Watch Jon’s TED Talk: The Problem with Trickle-down Techonomics
📌 Explore Southbox Entertainment’s model

🎙️ About Karen Rands:
Karen Rands has spent 20+ years helping entrepreneurs and investors navigate capital strategy and business growth.
📌 Schedule a Quick Call
📌 Explore Entrepreneurial Services
📌 See Past Projects

🚀 Like this episode? Follow, share, and leave a comment to help us spread powerful wealth-building strategies for today’s entrepreneurs and investors.

#AdTech #Fintech #FilmFinance #Entrepreneurship #StartupExit #DataDrivenInvesting #FounderJourney #CompassionateCapitalist