The latest i4Series event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and funding experts for an engaging discussion on how to secure the right kind of capital. The session was moderated by Tony Nolte of the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm and featured William Taylor Co-Founder of Launchpad Greenville, Matt Bell, Director of SCRA’s SC Launch program, and Dave Parker, Founder and CEO of SmartKoz, Inc. and an expert in creative capital and crowdfunding.
Together, the panel shared insights on what it really takes to fund a growing business, from bootstrapping and bank loans to venture capital and crowdfunding.
Bootstrapping vs. Outside Capital
The conversation began with an important reminder: not every company needs outside investors. “There’s nothing wrong with building a great lifestyle business,” said Tony Nolte. “For many service-based companies, it’s often smarter to bootstrap and grow steadily rather than chase equity.”
William Taylor agreed and noted that founders should think carefully about what it costs to give up ownership. “Equity is the most expensive money you’ll ever take,” he said. “If you can fund operations through customer revenue or owner loans, you maintain control, and that’s worth a lot.”
Choosing the Right Funding for Your Business Type
To make the topic practical, the panel walked through several business scenarios, ranging from small service companies to AI startups, and discussed which funding approaches fit each one best.
- Service businesses often do best with customer payments or small credit lines rather than investor capital.
- Home-based companies can benefit from partnerships or modest loans rather than bringing on outside investors.
- Tech startups should explore grants, angel funding, and accelerators. “Stacking too many SAFEs can backfire,” warned Taylor. “You want to structure fundraising in a way that protects founders from unnecessary dilution.”
- Product-based businesses that receive large purchase orders can often use purchase order financing or SBA loans to fulfill those contracts without giving up equity.
The Reality of Venture Capital in 2025
Panelists were direct about the current venture capital environment, describing it as more selective and competitive than in previous years. “Venture is selective right now,” said Matt Bell. “Founders need to be creative and blend tools like SBIR or STTR grants, SBA programs, angel rounds, and crowdfunding rather than depending on a single large VC check.” Taylor added that investors have more options than ever before. “You’re not just competing with other startups,” he said. “You’re competing with every investment option available to an investor, including the stock market. The money is out there, but your story and timing matter more than ever.”
Inside SC Launch: Early-Stage Support and Smart Diligence
Representing South Carolina’s early-stage investment community, Bell shared how SCRA and SC Launch evaluate startups and help them attract additional capital. “At SC Launch, we work with very young companies that may not have years of financial data,” Bell said. “We focus on the fundamentals: the team, execution so far, and whether the business has a realistic path forward.”
Although SCRA is a nonprofit, Bell emphasized that sustainability is still a key part of the organization’s mission. “We want to leverage our investments to attract more capital into South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Bell also explained that SC Launch often works alongside other investors. “Even when we’re not the lead, we roll up our sleeves to help companies close their rounds. Because we see so many deals each year, we have a good sense of what fair early-stage terms look like.”
Crowdfunding and the Power of Community
For many startups, equity crowdfunding has become a meaningful way to raise capital from loyal customers and supporters. “If people are clamoring for your product, that demand is your investor network,” said Parker. “Crowdfunding lets your customers become your backers.” Bell added that smaller crowdfunding campaigns can help prove traction. “We’ve seen founders use small equity rounds to show market demand, which makes it easier to attract follow-on investment later,” he said.
Relationships Still Rule
Despite all the new funding options available today, the panel agreed that strong relationships remain the most important factor in successful fundraising.
“Venture capital is still a relationship business,” said Taylor. “People invest in founders they trust. The best investors aren’t just check writers. They open doors.” Bell echoed that sentiment. “When investors and founders are aligned on mission and vision, funding becomes a partnership, not just a transaction,” he said.
Final Takeaway: Capital Is Fuel, Not the Destination
The event wrapped up with one clear message: the best funding approach depends on your business model, your goals, and your timeline. Whether you’re bootstrapping, pursuing angel funding, or working with programs like SC Launch, the goal should always be to build a business that lasts.
As Bell put it, “Capital is fuel, not the destination. The right funding mix should help you grow without losing focus on what matters most… building a sustainable company.”
Ready to learn more?
Join i4Series at Flywheel on October 28, to explore how investors and founders turn market insight, IP, and early metrics into lasting company value. More details available on the registration page.
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