The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ with Karen Rands

How do you know if a startup is a good investment, or a red flag in disguise?

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I share what I look for when reviewing a founder’s pitch deck, business plan, forecasts, and offering documents.

When I led the Network of Business Angels and Investors and produced major venture conferences, I had to vet hundreds of companies. That’s why I created my 10-point checklist and scoring syst...

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with blockchain expert Tony Erwin to unpack the real-world ways blockchain is disrupting business and transforming finance. We dive into five powerful use cases, provenance tracking, payment solutions, digital identity, customer engagement, and the tokenization of real-world assets and what they mean for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

We also explore Georgia’s emer...

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Ali Madhavji, an inspiring entrepreneur whose journey from refugee to global blockchain leader is nothing short of remarkable.

We dive into the game-changing potential of blockchain technology and how it’s already transforming industries like finance and healthcare. Ali shares insights from his experience as a venture capitalist and the critical role VCs play in f...

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 investm...

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...

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 epis...

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 mi...

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 seria...

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 ...

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 cro...

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 Aud...

As a founder, you’re always communicating—whether you’re hiring, pitching to investors, or navigating tough conversations with employees or the media. But are you using interview skills to your advantage?

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Kim Chandler McDonald, an award-winning author, storyteller, and the Co-Founder & CEO of 3 Steps Data and FlatWorld Integration. Kim has spent her career hel...

The Hidden Financial Leaks That Could Sink Your Business.

Cash flow is king. But mismanaged cash flow? That’s a silent killer.

Too many businesses—especially in high-growth industries like construction and manufacturing—are profitable on paper but bleeding cash in reality. The reason? Poor financial structure, lack of strategic budgeting, and failing to track hidden costs.

Today on The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Lu...

Struggling to scale your business? Need growth capital but hitting roadblocks with banks, angels, or VCs? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs reach a plateau—not because of lack of effort, but because they’re missing the hidden growth metrics that drive real, scalable expansion.

📣 That’s why in this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, I sit down with Jason Bryll, Founder of Parable Associates, a business intelligence exp...

Are you a founder experiencing feelings of stagnation, overwhelm, or difficulty in growing your business?

Are you an angel investor that is frustrated by your portfolio companies not reaching their milestones and growing.  

Well then this episode is for you. 

In this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show, Karen Rands discusses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors in growing businesses. She introduces a five-pilla...

Branding or Bust! Karen Rands and Steve Miller tackle the tough questions about competition on this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show.They discuss the importance of creating an uncopyable brand that resonates with both customers and investors. Steve introduces the concept of the 'moose' as a metaphor for identifying target markets and emphasizes the need to understand and solve customer problems. The conversation...

Tune in to learn about putting your money to work to create long term wealth. In this episode, Karen Rands discusses the principles of compounding wealth that are not widely known, but been available for generations with guest Steve Selengut. They explore the importance of creating wealth through angel investing and the unique opportunities presented by closed-end funds (CEFs). Steve shares insights on how CEFs can provide reliable...

Want to build wealth and own your own business? Karen Rands explores the ins and outs of franchising on the Compassionate Capitalist Show, revealing how this model can be a powerful path to financial success. Joined by franchise consultant Adam Goldman, they explore the myths surrounding franchising, the essential qualities of successful franchisees, and the diverse opportunities available in the franchise market. The conversation ...

Forget old-school investing! Karen Rands and Jeff Sarti share the innovative approaches that are changing the game – and how you can use them to build wealth, no matter what the economy throws our way. They emphasize the importance of diversifying investment portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds, exploring alternative investments and the democratization of capital markets. Jeff shares his journey from a science background ...