The American Dream: A Story Tailor-Made for the Big Screen

Welcome to the latest edition of Equity & Entertainment, where we dive into the unique power of storytelling in business and its impact on investment.?

In this issue, we uncover the compelling link between successful entrepreneurs and the cinematic narratives that bring their journeys and cap tables to life.

The Power of the American Dream

In today’s world, it’s not just financial metrics that drive investments. While numbers matter, what truly resonates with investors is the story—a story of grit, vision, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph.?

This emotional connection is why tales of entrepreneurial ambition, especially those chasing the "American Dream," captivate millions. They don’t just draw crowds to the box office; they inspire investors to believe in the people behind the product. These narratives highlight one crucial takeaway: people don’t just invest in products—they invest in Founders.

Stay with us as we uncover how founders, much like Hollywood protagonists, win the hearts—and the investment—of those willing to bet on their success.

Real-Life Stories that Thrill Audiences

The journey from humble beginnings to world-changing success has universal appeal. Films like Air (Nike), The Social Network (Facebook), and Steve Jobs (Apple) not only depict the challenges and triumphs of iconic brands but also celebrate the visionary founders who drove these companies forward.

‘The Social Network’ … the story of Facebook

Worldwide Box Office: $225 Million, 3 Oscars, 4 Golden Globes

This film captures the revolutionary rise of Facebook, chronicling the personal and legal battles that followed its success. Audiences were drawn not just to the tech innovation, but to the intense human drama of ambition, betrayal, and power struggles that defined the early years of the world’s largest social network.

Nike’s "Air"

Worldwide Box Office: $89 Million

This film tells the story of Nike’s partnership with a young Michael Jordan, a gamble that revolutionized the sports world with the Air Jordan brand. It’s a narrative of risk, vision, and success—elements that resonate with audiences and investors alike. “Air” highlights the pivotal role of a determined mother and an unconventional team that defied the odds to create a global icon.

‘Steve Jobs’ - the Visionary Behind Apple

Worldwide Box Office: $35 Million, 2 Golden Globes

Set against the backdrop of Apple’s most iconic product launches, this film provides an intimate look at Steve Jobs, one of the most visionary entrepreneurs of the digital age. The story is not just about technology, but about a man driven to reshape the world, capturing both his brilliance and the personal cost of his ambition.

The transition from film to finance is natural—investors are not only looking for strong business models but also for leaders with compelling stories that inspire confidence and loyalty.?

These movies make millions of dollars and reach millions of fans across the globe because they tap into a universal truth: people are inspired by stories of perseverance and triumph - The American Dream.

Just as a well told story on-screen draws in viewers, a well-constructed business narrative pulls in investors.

This connection between storytelling and investment is what makes the narrative a critical tool in venture capital, where betting on the right founder can mean the difference between success and failure.

And this is exactly where storytelling becomes a powerful investment tool...

Storytelling as an Investment Catalyst

As literary scholar Barbara Hardy said, “We dream in narrative, daydream in narrative, remember, anticipate, hope, despair, believe, doubt, plan, revise, and love by narrative.”

This timeless truth extends well beyond the realm of personal stories—it's also at the heart of successful business ventures.

Investors aren’t just captivated by balance sheets; they’re drawn in by the stories behind the people who generated them. A venture capitalist's approach differs from a hedge fund analyst. While the latter might base a company’s value on future cash flows, a VC often looks at the broader picture—the narrative. This belief underscores a foundational principle in venture capital:?

people invest in stories,?and stories start with founders.

Prominent investors, like those at Andreessen Horowitz, have long emphasized the importance of the founder's narrative. With over $42 billion in assets under management (as of May 2024), Andreessen Horowitz bets on the people behind the companies.?

Co-founder Marc Andreessen has a definitive point of view:

“If you don’t have a founder who can be CEO, sell your company—now.” This conviction highlights the essential role of founders in navigating growth and driving long-term success.?        

Ben Horowitz, also of Andreessen Horowitz, further underscores this idea:?

“You can have a great product, but a compelling story puts the company into motion.” His words capture the essence of why investors lean into visionaries who can articulate not just what they’re building, but why they’re building it.        

Great stories rally teams, attract capital and propel startups toward success. It’s why VCs focus on the strength, vision, and resilience of the entrepreneur—because the right founder can turn even the most uncertain of ideas into a billion-dollar enterprise.

Enter Going Public

That’s where programs like Going Public come in. Going Public offers viewers the chance to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial journey, while empowering them to become active participants in that journey. Through equity crowdfunding, viewers are no longer passive observers—they can invest, support, and share in a company’s success.

The show dismantles the traditional barriers between companies and their investors, leveraging storytelling to create deeper connections and investment opportunities.?

This merging of entertainment, brand loyalty, and capital raising allows start-ups to extend their runway and meet their goals with the backing of a community that believes in their story.

-> Watch the Going Public super sizzle here.?

We’re not here to tell you how to craft your narrative—we’re providing you with the platform to share it with the world. The rest is up to the audience.

See for yourself: https://www.goingpublic.com/series?

Join us as we continue to reshape both the investing and financial media landscapes.

In the comments below let us know if your team includes an inventor and an entrepreneur!?

Equity & Entertainment

As the winds of change sweep through capital markets and redefine the essence of investor relations, staying informed is paramount. Every two weeks, we dissect these shifts, spotlighting innovations and trends that are reshaping capital raising from the perspective of Going Public. Dive into our insights, strategies, and an expert view of where the market is headed next. Ensure you stay ahead by subscribing to our newsletter and following our page for more.