203. How to Raise Capital Without Losing Control With Stu Strumwasser, Green Circle Capital Partners

203. Struggling to raise capital without giving up control—or your brand's soul? If you choose the wrong investor, you can lose far more than equity. In this episode, I sit down with Stu from Green Circle Capital to unpack what founders must understand before raising growth capital. We break down today's valuation reset, why chasing top-line growth without profitability is dangerous, and how to choose an investor who adds real strategic value—not just money. You'll learn the difference between opportunistic and strategic distribution, why execution beats hype every time, and how to perform due diligence on investors before they invest in you. Download the free episode guide to go deeper into capital strategy, valuation expectations, and investor alignment. Then listen to related episodes on trade spend, execution, and category leadership to build a sustainable, fundable brand. Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session203