Raising capital in today’s market is tougher than ever. Investors are more selective, due diligence is more rigorous, and founders must prove capital efficiency and traction early. Inflection Point: Capital is a three-week intensive designed to help growth-stage founders cut through the noise, refine their investor narrative, and confidently structure the right funding strategy.
Key Objectives
Contact for questions:
Keith Hickey: keith@3rootscapital.org
Chris McAdoo: chris@knoxec.net
Jim Biggs: jim.biggs@knoxec.net
This high-impact program is built for busy founders who need practical, market-aligned insights, not theoretical deep dives. Each week is structured around critical funding milestones to help you:
Craft a compelling investor narrative that aligns with what today’s VCs and strategic investors actually look for. Strengthen financial storytelling to clearly demonstrate capital efficiency, traction, and growth potential. Understand cap tables, valuations, and term sheets so you can negotiate deals confidently and protect your equity. Explore funding alternatives like venture debt, revenue-based financing, and strategic capital—ensuring you raise on your terms. Develop a clear, investor-ready capital roadmap so you leave with an actionable plan for securing funding.
Inflection Point: Capital respects founder time by focusing only on what actually moves the needle in a tough funding climate. Each session blends expert insights, real-world investor feedback, and hands-on workshops—so founders leave ready to engage investors, negotiate with confidence, and secure the right capital for growth.
Our Partner
STRONG ROOTS. SMART BUSINESS.
Three Roots Capital is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)that works with Business Owners, Commercial Developers, Banks, and Community Organizations to provide impact capital and advisory services to job-creating and place-making companies and projects. The three roots of Three Roots Capital are Capital, Coaching, and Connections to Resources to help companies and projects be successful.
Our Facilitator
Keith Hickey, Senior VP & Chief Lending Officer, Three Roots Capital
Before joining Three Roots Capital, Keith was Director of Lending at Pathway Lending. With 30+ years in finance, he has partnered with banks, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to expand access to capital and technical assistance. His expertise spans Tennessee’s diverse markets—rural, middle, and urban—helping businesses manage cash flow and overcome financial challenges.
Keith holds degrees in International Business, Organizational Management & Finance, and a Graduate Banking degree from Wharton. A graduate of multiple Tennessee Bankers Schools, he also stays active as a fitness trainer and avid golfer in Knoxville.
Reach out to Keith with any questions at keith@3rootscapital.org
Full Schedule
Goal: Help founders present a compelling financial story and prepare for investor engagement.
Investor Expectations & Market Reality Check
- What investors (VCs, CVCs, angels) are really looking for right now at Seed & Series A.
- How expectations differ for hard tech vs. software startups in 2024.
- Capital efficiency: What matters in a high-scrutiny fundraising environment.
Financial Readiness & Due Diligence Essentials
- Investor-ready financials: How to structure financial models and forecasts.
- Building a no-friction data room: What actually matters in diligence (cutting the fluff).
- Key traction metrics: What makes a startup “fundable” in today’s climate.
Workshop: Investor Narrative & Pitch Refinement
- Founders refine their pitch focusing on financial storytelling & traction proof.
- Live investor feedback (optional session).
Actionable Takeaway
Investor Narrative Template – Founders create or refine their pitch, focusing on financial clarity and traction.
Goal: Get founders up to speed on how deals are structured & negotiated.
Equity & Cap Table Fundamentals
- Understanding dilution & control: What founders must know before taking capital.
- Valuation today: How investors are pricing deals in this market.
- Founder-friendly vs. investor-friendly structures: Avoiding common pitfalls.
Key Term Sheet Mechanics (What Actually Matters)
- Liquidation preferences, pro-rata rights, anti-dilution clauses – what’s negotiable & what’s not.
- Governance terms: Avoiding “losing control” in later rounds.
- How to spot red flags in an investor offer.
Workshop: Rapid-Fire Term Sheet Simulation
- Founders break down and negotiate key term sheet components.
Actionable Takeaway
Cap Table & Term Sheet Red Flags Guide: Founders leave with a checklist for reviewing investor offers.
Goal: Show founders the realistic, viable funding alternatives beyond straight equity.
When & How to Use Non-Dilutive Capital
- Venture debt & revenue-based financing – When it makes sense & when to avoid.
- Convertible notes & SAFEs: How these impact future rounds.
- Strategic funding: CVCs, government grants (SBIR, STTR), and partnerships.
Investor & Legal Considerations in Hybrid Funding
- How different funding structures impact valuation & exit scenarios.
- Legal traps to avoid in alternative capital deals.
Final Capital Strategy Workshop: Defining the Right Path
- Founders develop a concise, market-aligned funding roadmap.
- Live mentor/investor feedback on capital plans.
Actionable Takeaway
Customized Funding Plan – Founders leave with a focused funding roadmap based on their business needs & market reality.
