Startups Decoded #60: Raising Smart Capital in 2026 — Discipline, Data & Control with Roei Samuel
The fundraising hangover is real.
Capital returned in 2025, but investors are now far more selective. Traction, revenue clarity, and capital efficiency matter more than vision decks.
In this episode, Roei Samuel joins Andy Walsh to share how he raised $23M+ without giving up board seats, and why that decision shaped Connectd’s growth and governance. We unpack how founders retain leverage in a tighter market, where progress must be measurable and every dollar justified.
This conversation explores fundraising as a system, covering negotiation, investor alignment, non-dilutive capital, and the growing role of fractional talent.
Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube
In This Episode
• Why fundraising in 2026 rewards discipline
• Raising $23M+ without board dilution
• Where founders lose leverage in negotiations
• Fractional talent and capital efficiency
• Communicating traction investors trust
Founder & CEO of Connectd, a platform connecting startups with investors, directors, and expert talent. After exiting RealSport, Roei launched Connectd in 2019. The platform now supports 90+ fractional hires per month, has driven 4× ARR growth for three consecutive years, and has raised $14M+.
2× exited founder and host of Startups Decoded (500k downloads).
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Music Credit
“Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) https://phondupe.bandcamp.com/album/air-conditioning-vol-2
Filmed on location at 28th&Park. A content & production studio for New York’s visionary Builders, Investors, Artists, Musicians, & Creators to amplify their voice & share bold stories. Use the code "Decoded" for 25% off your first booking.