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1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 1, 2025 · 8 MIN

1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo

from Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship · host Optimal Living Daily | Dan W.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1888: Mike Smerklo challenges the typical founder mindset around fundraising by revealing why chasing high valuations might be a dangerous distraction. Drawing on lessons from taking two companies public, he lays out the first three of five crucial factors every entrepreneur must consider, valuation, terms, and firm reputation, to avoid costly mistakes and find truly strategic capital partners. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/how-do-great-entrepreneurs-choose-a-capital-provider-maybe-not-the-way-you-think/ Quotes to ponder: "Make sure you don’t get seduced by a brand or a perception here, and do your homework on how the firm has supported (or failed to support) entrepreneurs over time." "Most of the terms are frankly simple or standard and therefore don’t need a lot of your attention, but a few really matter and here is where you need to be aware…be very aware." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo

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