Funding without the VC train: SAFEs, angels & syndicates, venture debt, grants, mission-aligned capital

Not every company should raise a traditional venture round, and not every founder wants to. Whether you're still weighing that decision, structuring a raise that doesn't follow the standard path, or looking at capital that isn't venture at all, this session is about what the real options are and how they work in practice.

We're glad to be joined by Daniel Neuman, startup and corporate attorney at Carney Badley Spellman in Seattle, who works with founders on exactly these structures.

What we'll cover

• Whether to pursue VC at all, versus building toward cash-flow positive with a lean team
• SAFE conversion mechanics for founders not planning a priced round, including time-based triggers rather than a future financing event
• How to find a lead investor for an angel round, and whether a syndicate is the right vehicle
• Evaluating mission-aligned capital and non-dilutive sources like grants, versus traditional VC

Come with your own situation. It's a small roundtable, so this is a conversation rather than a presentation, and questions are welcome throughout.