​Most founders default to the same fundraising playbook: chase the biggest names, spam cold outreach, and hope the pitch deck does the work. In reality, many of the best early checks come from “non-obvious” investors: operators, angels, scouts, niche funds, and community builders who invest early, open doors, and help you build momentum before you ever reach a traditional VC process.

​We will unpack how to think about fundraising as a network and strategy problem, not just a capital problem. You’ll learn how founders in the Triangle can map the local investor landscape, build relationships in a way that compounds, and create the kind of signal that attracts the right next conversations.

​You’ll walk away with:

• ​A practical framework for identifying investor types beyond traditional VCs

• ​How to build a warm intro engine through community, operators, and trusted connectors

• ​What to ask for at each stage: feedback, references, small checks, or lead capital

• ​Common local fundraising mistakes, and how to avoid them

• ​How to turn conversations into momentum without burning your network

​Speakers

​Kevin Barry

​Kevin Barry is an entrepreneur and founder best known for building and scaling businesses that solve practical problems for homeowners and service professionals. He co-founded FilterEasy/Second Nature, which grew from a startup to an eight-figure company, and now focuses on Barry’s Blue, a home services holding company, and investing in businesses through Kirby Ventures. Kevin is passionate about helping founders navigate the messy early stages of building a company and turning simple ideas into durable, real-world businesses.

​Suresh Bhagchandani

​Suresh Bhagchandani is an entrepreneur, operator, and real estate investor based in Cary, North Carolina. He owns multiple F45 Training studios in the Triangle and is the founder of Execsocks, a brand focused on creating meaningful connections through everyday products. In his professional career, Suresh leads high-performing sales teams in the technology sector, managing multimillion-dollar revenue territories and building strategic partnerships across industries.

​Outside of his corporate role, he is an active investor in both short-term and long-term real estate opportunities and enjoys identifying and structuring creative deals. Suresh is also the organizer of TEDxCary, a platform dedicated to sharing ideas and elevating voices from across the Triangle.

​He is passionate about supporting founders and believes many of the most impactful investors are often “hidden” within communities—operators, small business owners, and local leaders who quietly mentor, fund, and support entrepreneurs.

​Brandon Kashani

​Brandon Kashani is the Founder and CEO of TRAKID, a Raleigh-based startup building technology to improve visitor engagement and safety in large venues. He started TRAKID while studying engineering at NC State and raised early capital to launch the business. When COVID disrupted the amusement park industry, Brandon led the company through a major pivot, expanding into new markets and refining the product to better serve venue operators and visitors. He has since steered TRAKID through a second pivot and raised nearly $4M to date.

Brandon is known for his energy as a community builder and connector, and he enjoys helping founders find the right people, resources, and opportunities to move faster. Outside of work, he is a professional athlete and a member of the United States National Skydiving Team, and he enjoys football, travel, and great food.

​Moderated by Josh Guter

​Josh Guter is a founder and startup operator building tools that help people manage relationships more intentionally. He is the founder of Elephants, a platform designed to make follow-up, networking, and relationship-driven work easier for founders, teams, and community builders. In parallel with building his own company, Josh supports early-stage entrepreneurs through NC State’s startup ecosystem, where he works with founders, student teams, and venture programs. His background blends product thinking, ecosystem building, and hands-on startup execution.

​Location

​​American Underground — Upstairs

​​324 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701

​Parking

​Free parking is available at the American Tobacco Campus North Deck, courtesy of CBC Real Estate.

• ​Map to: 305 W Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701

• ​Use the 2nd floor and above. (Please do not park on first floor.)

​​Questions?

​​This session is part of Raleigh-Durham Startup Week. Click here to learn more about the event, plus get answers to your FAQs.

​​Track Supporter

​​​​Thank you to Narrasoft for supporting the Strategy Track at #RDSW26!