Fuel or Friction? Knowing When to Raise Capital

Fuel or Friction? Knowing When to Raise Capital Every founder eventually faces the question: is now the right time to raise—and if so, how? Capital can accelerate growth, but taken at the wrong moment or on the wrong terms, it can just as easily distort a business and dilute a founder’s control. In this Launchpad session, host Megha Singh sits down with Giselle Makarachvili, a founder who has navigated capital from both sides of the table. Giselle was previously CEO of Hmlet, a Singapore-based co-living operator, before co-founding Project X and its flagship hospitality concept, Alma House, built alongside institutional investment partners. She later launched TravelTod, an eco-premium bamboo essentials brand, bootstrapping it in the wake of an M&A deal that closed out her time as a CEO. Having raised, scaled, exited, and bootstrapped, she brings a rare, grounded perspective on when outside capital is fuel and when it’s friction. Together, Megha and Giselle will unpack the real signals that tell a founder they’re ready to raise, the trade-offs of different funding paths, and how to approach capital with clarity rather than urgency. Expect an honest, practical conversation for founders weighing their next move. Key Takeaways: – How to recognize the genuine signals that your business is ready for outside capital—versus raising out of fear or hype – The trade-offs between bootstrapping, institutional investment, and strategic partners, and how to choose what fits your stage – What investors actually look for, drawn from experience on both sides of the table – How to protect your vision and control while bringing capital in – Practical framing for negotiating terms and timing your raise with intention