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 investment models that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs. We unpack the systemic barriers to capital, the widening racial wealth gap, and why traditional financing often leaves small businesses behind.
This episode dives into the practical and strategic side of raising capital, exploring revenue-based financing, the pros and cons of debt vs. equity, and how to align your fundraising strategy with your business model. Whether you're a founder, investor, or policymaker, you'll walk away with powerful insights on how to fund innovation while building stronger local economies.
🎯 After listening to myconversation with Jenny Kassan, here are the key takeaways to remember:
- Crowdfunding offers an inclusive path to capital and wealth creation.
- Community based finance supports sustainable, local economic growth.
- Access to capital is foundational for entrepreneurship and job creation.
- Revenue-based financing is investor friendly and founder-sustaining
- Structure your fundraising to fit your business, not the other way round.
- Education, advocacy and local ecosystems are vital to crowdfunding's future.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wealth Creation and Capital Access02:25 The Role of Crowdfunding in Economic Development05:16 Meet Jenny Kassan: A Champion for Entrepreneurs06:04 Jenny's Journey: From Yale to Public Service08:32 Understanding Economic Disparities and Structural Issues11:30 The Importance of Access to Capital15:21 Crowdfunding as a Path to Economic Mobility18:31 Revenue-Based Financing: A New Approach25:35 Community Impact and Success Stories31:36 Understanding Debt vs. Equity Financing35:22 Designing Your Fundraising Strategy39:04 The Importance of Investor Mindset40:46 Community-Based Finance Success Stories46:00 Building Local Ecosystems for Investment49:37 Advocacy and Future of Crowdfunding
About the Guest – Jenny Kassan
Jenny Kassan is the founder of The Kassan Group, where she offers legal and strategic support for capital raises tailored to small businesses. She’s the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms and a nationally recognized leader in impact investing. With nearly 30 years of experience, Jenny now leads the Crowdfunding Professional Association and continues to champion a more inclusive financial future.🌐 Learn more at jennykassan.com📘Check out the Crowdfunding Professional Association: cfpa.org
About the Host – Karen Rands
I’m Karen Rands, and I help entrepreneurs and investors build wealth through innovation and capital formation. Through this show and my Compassionate Capitalist Movement, I share real conversations and practical strategies to help you grow, fund, and exit your business the smart way.
🔗 Learn more: karenrands.co
🎙 Listen to all episodes: thecompassionatecapitalistshow.com
📘 Download my free ebook: The 4 Ws of Crowdfund Investing
🎓Join the Compassionalist Academy: bit.ly/CA-prelaunch
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