This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands.  In this illuminating episode of “The Story of a Brand,” Ramon Vela sits down with entrepreneur Afif Ghannoum to delve into his journey of founding and scaling businesses, with a keen focus on his ventures, BIOHM Health and Small Co Capital.  Through Afif’s experiences, we explore the multifaceted challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly around the crucial aspect of raising capital.  Here’s what you can expect from this deep dive: * Entrepreneurial Insight:  Afif shares his journey, shedding light on the hurdles and triumphs of building a business from the ground up. His story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing resilience and strategic thinking. * Investor Relationships:  The conversation underscores the significance of building trust with investors. Afif emphasizes that beyond a compelling business idea, investors must believe in the entrepreneur themselves. This segment offers valuable advice on cultivating these critical relationships. * Leadership Transitions:  A pivotal moment in any company’s growth is recognizing when to initiate leadership changes. Afif discusses his decision to bring in new leadership at BIOHM to catalyze growth, offering insights into the process of finding the right people for specific roles and the importance of timing in leadership transitions. * Alternative Funding Options:  Delving into the realm of financing, Afif presents a compelling case for considering alternative funding methods, such as revenue-based funding. He outlines the advantages of these options over traditional venture capital, including no personal guarantees and minimized dilution. * Strategic Financing Decisions:  Entrepreneurs face a complex landscape of funding mechanisms. Afif advises carefully weighing the cost of capital, the implications of personal guarantees, and the agility in accessing funds. He also highlights the importance of aligning interests with funding partners and navigating the intricacies of different funding avenues. * Pitfalls and Opportunities:  The discussion critically examines the challenges of working with funding brokers, the risks associated with speculative ventures, and the strategic management of capital. Afif’s insights into prudent capital management are invaluable for entrepreneurs leveraging opportunities effectively. * The Value of Relationships and Advice:  Beyond funding, Afif talks about the significance of building robust business relationships and the role of strategic advice during the funding process. He also touches upon the importance of due diligence and the unique challenges entrepreneurs face in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or intrigued by the intricacies of building and funding a business, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and strategies from Afif Ghannoum’s entrepreneurial adventure.  Join us as we uncover the lessons, challenges, and successes that define the entrepreneurial spirit. For more on Small Co Capital, visit: https://smallcocapital.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review and give us a follow on Apple Podcast.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today’s Sponsors: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.   SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit usi