Hosted by Nexus Capital Network · In Partnership with VenCapital

From Founder to
Institutional Force.

FoundersCapital Catalyst is the premier executive program for revenue-generating entrepreneurs ready to build companies that attract, qualify for, and close institutional capital.

3
Program Phases
6
Core Pillars
10+
Expert Advisors
0%
of funded companies had institutional-ready financials before raising
0x
average revenue growth in 18 months post-institutional capital
0%
of founders cite lack of structure as their #1 capital barrier
0M+
in capital connections facilitated through the Nexus ecosystem
01 — The Problem

The Gap Between
Potential and Capital

Across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, a massive gap exists. Promising companies plateau before reaching their full potential — not because of lack of ambition, but because of structural barriers that no one has prepared them to overcome.

"Many businesses plateau before reaching their full potential — not from lack of ambition, but from lack of structure."
— FoundersCapital Catalyst

The Structural Gap

Most founders successfully launch and generate revenue — but when they attempt to scale, they hit invisible walls: financial discipline, operational systems, governance, and capital strategy.

The Missing Middle

Accelerators serve early-stage startups. Institutional investors demand proven infrastructure. There is almost no structured program for companies in between — already operating, not yet institutional.

The Capital Disconnect

Lenders and investors encounter companies with real potential but lacking the structure to qualify. Founders with vision can't access capital. Capital sits idle. Both sides lose.

02 — The Program

A Structured Path to
Institutional Scale

FoundersCapital Catalyst is not a seminar or a networking event. It is a three-phase transformation program designed to build the structural foundation that institutional capital demands.

Program Visual
01
4 Days

Executive Intensive

A rigorous four-day diagnostic experience. We analyze your company's financial architecture, operational systems, and capital readiness — then build a precise roadmap for institutional scale.

  • Financial diagnostics
  • Operational assessment
  • Capital readiness evaluation
  • Personalized growth roadmap
02
8 Weeks

Growth Engine

A cohort-based program where founders work through structured modules alongside experienced operators and capital providers. Real-world insights, peer accountability, and expert guidance.

  • Financial discipline modules
  • Operational scalability
  • Governance frameworks
  • Capital strategy alignment
03
2 Days

Capital Access Summit

The culminating event. Founders engage directly with investors, lenders, and ecosystem leaders through curated panels, workshops, and high-value networking sessions.

  • Investor panels & workshops
  • Direct lender introductions
  • Ecosystem networking
  • Deal flow conversations
03 — The Six Pillars

What Institutional Capital
Actually Evaluates

Every module, every session, and every deliverable in FoundersCapital Catalyst is built around these six pillars — the exact dimensions that investors and lenders use to evaluate whether a company is ready for serious capital.

Pillar I

Market Credibility

Establish a defensible market position with validated data, competitive differentiation, and a compelling narrative that resonates with institutional investors.

Pillar II

Financial Architecture

Build audit-ready financials, clean reporting structures, and forward-looking models that meet the standards of lenders and institutional capital providers.

Pillar III

Governance & Structure

Implement the legal, compliance, and corporate governance frameworks that protect your company and signal institutional maturity to investors.

Pillar IV

Scalable Operations

Design operational systems that function independently of the founder — enabling consistent performance, delegation, and growth at institutional velocity.

Pillar V

Capital Strategy Alignment

Develop a clear, defensible capital strategy including valuation methodology, deal structure, and a targeted investor pipeline aligned to your growth stage.

Pillar VI

Institutional Readiness

Complete a comprehensive readiness assessment and emerge with a data room, investor narrative, and the confidence to engage institutional capital on equal footing.

04 — The Founding Circle

Visionary Leadership with
Deep Ecosystem Expertise

The Founding Circle brings together financial strategists, ecosystem builders, and venture capital professionals who have spent careers at the intersection of entrepreneurship and institutional capital.

CJ
C.D. Jones
Co-Founder
Vice Chair · Nominee Committee
Nexus Capital Network

C.D. Jones is a financial and operational strategist with deep experience supporting entrepreneurs in improving financial management, business operations, and leadership development. His work focuses on building sustainable structures that support scalable growth.

  • Financial & operational strategy
  • Sustainable business structures
  • Scalable leadership development
  • Entrepreneurial financial management
Connect on LinkedIn
VM
Victor A. Martinez
Co-Founder
Nomination Committee Chair
Nexus Capital Network

Victor Martinez has worked with a wide range of businesses across multiple sectors to support growth, operational improvement, and access to capital. His work focuses on building entrepreneurial ecosystems that connect founders with investors, institutions, and community partners.

  • Entrepreneurial ecosystem building
  • Investor & community connectivity
  • Multi-sector growth strategy
  • Operational improvement
Connect on LinkedIn
JG
John Grace
Co-Founder
Institutional Lending & Capital Strategy
Nexus Capital Network

John Grace is an institutional lending and capital strategy expert with deep expertise in traditional and non-traditional financing. He helps companies navigate bank financing, credit structures, and alternative capital sources to fuel sustainable growth.

  • Institutional lending & credit structures
  • Traditional & non-traditional financing
  • Bank financing & alternative capital
  • Capital strategy for growth-stage companies
Connect on LinkedIn
HO
Henry Ogbuagu
VC & PE Liaison
2nd Vice Chair · Nominee Committee

Henry Ogbuagu is the founder of VenCapital, an organization focused on building pathways into venture capital and private equity while connecting investors with emerging founders. His work centers on capital formation, venture investment education, and expanding access to institutional investment networks.

  • Capital formation & fundraising
  • Venture investment education
  • Institutional investment networks
  • Emerging founder pathways
Connect on LinkedIn
05 — Program Speakers & Advisors

Learn from Those Who
Have Actually Done It

Every advisor in the program has direct, real-world experience in the domain they teach. No academics. No theorists. Practitioners who have built companies, funded growth, and navigated the institutional capital landscape.

LS
Lester Sydney
Building Effective Sales Organizations

Developing high-performing sales teams and revenue growth strategies. Designing repeatable sales systems that enable scalable revenue expansion.

View Profile
NH
Natalia Hilton
Operational Strategy & Cohort Liaison

Operational strategy and program coordination. Helping founders strengthen internal processes, organizational systems, and operational execution.

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JC
James Carter
Corporate Governance & Legal Risk

Corporate governance, compliance, and legal risk management. Ensuring companies are structured properly to engage with investors and lenders.

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JM
Jacqueline Matoza
Accounting & Financial Reporting

Accounting systems, financial reporting, and financial transparency. Developing reliable financial documentation required by investors and lenders.

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JC
James Carras
PropTech & Emerging Markets

Real estate technology and emerging markets. Identifying opportunities where technology can unlock new value in property and infrastructure sectors.

View Profile
CM
Cristian Martinez
Cybersecurity & Technology Infrastructure

Cybersecurity and technology specialist advising companies on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity risk, and software systems for modern scalable businesses.

View Profile
06 — The Ecosystem

An Institutional-Grade
Partner Network

FoundersCapital Catalyst is supported by a curated ecosystem of academic institutions, accelerators, venture capital networks, and community organizations — each contributing to the program's institutional credibility and founder outcomes.

Host
Nexus Capital Network
Program host and founding organization
Strategic Partner
Venture capital & private equity pathways
Academic Ecosystem
Harvard Business School — global leader in entrepreneurship & VC research
Consistently ranked #1 for entrepreneurship education worldwide
Questrom School of Business entrepreneurship programs
Accelerator Ecosystem
One of the world's most recognized global startup accelerator networks
Collaborative founder launch events worldwide
Global conference connecting startups, investors & technology leaders
Community Ecosystem
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship — global entrepreneurship education
Community platform supporting LatinX professionals and entrepreneurs
VenCapital Investment Network

Through VenCapital, program participants gain exposure to mentors and advisors connected to leading venture firms:

Launchpad Venture GroupCity Light Capital.406 VenturesWalnut VenturesRarebreed VenturesAscension VenturesSEI VenturesBBG VenturesOmidyar Network
07 — Who Should Apply

This Program is Built for
One Type of Founder

This Program Is For You If:
  • Operating business with proven revenue traction
  • Company in operation for 2+ years
  • Founder actively involved in day-to-day operations
  • Seeking institutional capital within 12–24 months
  • Committed to structural transformation, not just education
  • Ready to engage with investors and lenders directly
This Program Is Not For:
  • Pre-revenue startups or idea-stage ventures
  • Companies not seeking capital in the near term
  • Founders unwilling to implement structural changes
Cohort Enrollment Is Limited

To ensure every founder receives meaningful attention and the cohort delivers maximum value, enrollment is intentionally limited. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Selection Process
01
Submit Application

Complete the founder application form with details about your company, revenue stage, and growth objectives.

02
Admissions Review

An admissions committee of experienced founders, investors, and financial professionals evaluates your application.

03
Readiness Diagnostic

Applicants complete a Founder Readiness Diagnostic assessing leadership, product-market fit, financials, operations, and capital readiness.

04
Cohort Invitation

Selected founders receive a formal invitation to join the cohort and begin the Executive Intensive.

08 — Apply Now

Begin Your
Transformation

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by our admissions committee. Enrollment is limited to ensure every founder receives the attention and outcomes the program is designed to deliver.

What Happens After You Apply:
1
Admissions committee reviews your application within 5 business days
2
You complete the Founder Readiness Diagnostic
3
A program advisor schedules a discovery call
4
Cohort invitation issued to qualified founders
Founder Application

Applications are reviewed within 5 business days. Enrollment is limited.