Joe S.

I'm a three-time founder who's personally raised $25.7M in equity and debt, and I help other founders build the materials that get them funded. Most "business plan and pitch deck" freelancers have written about fundraising. I've actually done it — I've sat across the table from VCs, angels, banks, and the USDA, and I know what makes them say yes (and what makes them ghost). I bring that pattern recognition to every client engagement. What I've done as an operator: - Raised $25.7M across three companies I founded (equity + USDA & SBA-backed debt) - Built two startups to 3 consecutive years of 100%+ revenue growth - Sold a company via acquisition in 2016 - Currently Co-Founder/COO of GracePay (payments) and Director at Jennings Kallen Advisors (fractional CFO + capital strategy) What I've done for clients: - Helped clients secure $21M+ in funding - Iowa Venture of the Year, ABI Leadership Iowa, Class Speaker for MBA graduation at UNC Kenan-Flagler - Mentor with Iowa Bio Innovation Showcase and Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute Where I'm strongest: - Pre-seed and seed-stage pitch decks — narrative, market sizing, financial story - Investor-ready financial models — 3-5 year projections with scenario analysis, unit economics, cap tables - Business plans — for SBA loans, USDA programs, and equity raises If you're a technical founder, scientist, or first-time CEO who needs to translate what you've built into a story that resonates with check-writers — that's exactly the gap I close. Based in Des Moines, IA. Available 30+ hrs/week.