Date: February 17–18, 2025
Location: Hyatt Regency, Coral Gables, Florida
Hosted by: Birthing of Giants, Florida State University Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

Bridging Founders and Financial Strategy

On February 17-18, 2025, the inaugural Founder Friendly Capital Conference (FFCC) unfolded at the elegant Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, Florida. This exclusive, invitation-only event was meticulously designed to elevate business owners' understanding of private equity (PE), providing them with the tools to navigate the financial landscape with greater sophistication. The conference attracted founders of companies generating $1 to $5 million or more in EBITDA*, all eager to explore how PE can be a catalyst for growth.

The conference was made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners committed to entrepreneurship and business growth. These included Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, known for developing future business leaders; Newport, LLC, a strategic advisory firm focused on helping growth-stage companies scale; Aprio Advisory, a leader in financial consulting for middle-market businesses; and Birthing of Giants, an education platform dedicated to supporting founder development.

Influential voices from these organizations helped shape the conversation throughout the event. Doug Tatum, teaching faculty at the Jim Moran College; Kevin Poole, CEO of Newport, LLC; Eric Krucke, CFO Practice Leader at Aprio Advisory; and Lewis Schiff, Chairman of Birthing of Giants, all brought invaluable insights into private equity, growth strategy, and founder-focused capital education guiding participants toward bold, sustainable business leadership.

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Financial Mastery

The conference commenced with a warm welcome from the esteemed Dean of Florida State University's Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Susan Fiorito. Dr. Fiorito was introduced by Doug Tatum, host of the conference and a teaching faculty member at the college, known for his profound insights into the middle market business segment, set an inspiring tone for the days ahead.

The day's sessions delved into the intricacies of private equity, with panels such as "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. What Happened & Why," offering attendees a candid look into real-world PE experiences. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, unraveling the financial incentives driving current PE trends and learning negotiation strategies to tilt terms in their favor. The evening concluded with a networking reception, fostering connections among founders, capital market experts, and those who have firsthand experience with the private equity process.

Day 2: Deep Dives and Strategic Insights

Building on the momentum, Day 2 featured a series of panels and workshops aimed at demystifying the PE process. Sessions like "The Why I Did or Didn’t Do it Panel? It’s Never Just About the Money" and "The Curve Balls and Bad Times Panel. The Use of Debt in PE" provided nuanced perspectives on the complexities of partnering with private equity firms.

A highlight of the day was the "Investment Banking Process Panel," where experts elucidated the steps involved in the investment banking process, equipping founders with the knowledge to navigate potential partnerships effectively. The conference concluded with a keynote address emphasizing the importance of aligning financial strategies with long-term business goals, leaving attendees empowered and ready to leverage private equity as a tool for scaling their enterprises.

Making it Fun: Turning Panels into Playoffs

One of the unexpected hits of the conference? The now-iconic "EBITDA" baseball caps. To keep energy high and encourage participation, we tossed these custom caps to attendees who asked thoughtful questions or contributed insights during panels. In a room full of high-achieving, Type-A founders, it didn’t take long for the hats to become coveted prizes—turning Q&A sessions into lively, competitive moments that sparked laughter, camaraderie, and a bit of strategic showmanship. It was a playful, perfectly on-brand way to make finance fun and foster real-time engagement.

Breaking Bread, Building Bridges: Curated Meals with Purpose

To foster meaningful connections in a more intimate setting, we curated simultaneous breakfasts and lunches at top-rated local restaurants, all within walking distance of the venue. These small-group meals gave attendees the chance to sit down with representatives from private equity firms, ask candid questions, and engage in authentic dialogue beyond the mainstage panels. Whether it was over strong Cuban coffee or fresh seafood, these curated dining experiences added a personal, relationship-driven layer to the conference, proving that some of the best deals start with a great meal and a good conversation.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Founders for the Future

The Founder Friendly Capital Conference 2025 successfully bridged the knowledge gap between business owners and the private equity world. By fostering an environment of learning, transparency, and networking, the FFCC has set a new standard for how founders can engage with financial partners to unlock their companies' full potential. As attendees departed the sunlit corridors of the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, they carried with them not just insights and strategies, but a renewed confidence in their ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business finance.

Tahirah Bailey Reed; CEO & Principal Event Manager

BRE Event Recap: Founder Friendly Capital Conference 2025