RJ’s background is in business and communications. As CEO, RJ is responsible for leading and growing Osiris Media, which raised $306,983 on SeedInvest in May 2019. He brings expertise in strategic growth, HR, marketing and finance, most recently as SVP at Hattaway Communications. RJ has a BA from The Ohio State University and an MA from the University of Chicago.

What did you most value about fundraising on SeedInvest and working with our team?
“The great network of investors and the brand recognition of being involved with SeedInvest. From the beginning, the onboarding team was incredibly helpful and responsive. That transitioned seamlessly to the Venture Growth team. We were introduced to hundreds of potential investors we would never have met otherwise.”

What are your top tips for a successful pitch? Do you have any advice for other founders about fundraising on SeedInvest?
“Emphasize the vision, product-market fit, and path forward. Ultimately, people invest in people, so you have to embody that vision and make sure your path for getting there is clear, simple and inspiring.”

What do you wish you had known going into the fundraising process on SeedInvest that you know now?
“The specifics of the deal terms. With tiered levels, conversion terms, etc. – that was a lot to learn, but the team was helpful in getting us there.”

What’s one thing most entrepreneurs should be doing, but aren’t?
“Listening! I have seen several pitches and presentations where the founders are only focused on getting their point across and/or convincing people of the investment opportunity. If you don’t meet people half way and listen to their points of view, you will limit your growth and won’t learn as much.”

Why was it important to you to make investment opportunities in startups such as yours accessible to SeedInvest’s users? Why is democratizing access to VC important more broadly?
“Our business is focused on delivering amazing podcasts and events to passionate music fans. Through this process, we were also able to provide these fans with opportunities to be investors. Since ending the fundraising round, we have received a lot of feedback from our new investors/listeners; they are paying closer attention, asking good questions, and pushing us to be better.”

What was the greatest challenge you faced around fundraising? If you had to do it all over again, what would you approach differently?
“Getting people to actually pull the trigger. I would have built more momentum and put more pressure on folks up front. Asking for money is hard, but it’s a shorter timeline than you think, and it takes longer than it should, always.”

What were the most helpful reading materials or other resources that helped you prepare to pitch/fundraise?
“SeedInvest’s marketing deck and onboarding materials were all really helpful.”