Happy Sunday, everyone! What a week! Here’s an interesting fact: when Carlos and I were starting Novel, my son was just entering high school as a freshman. This week, he will graduate. It’s an incredible thing to reflect on - how fast time goes, how much can be packed into four short years. (I know I mentioned this timeframe in last week’s newsletter. What can I say - I’m sentimental.)

It reminds me of a conversation I had this week where a friend of mine asked me what I’m seeing on the alternative capital landscape, whether the uptake and interest among entrepreneurs was growing. It’s actually pretty incredible. Four years ago, entrepreneurs really were not exposed to many alternative providers except for a few like Lighter Capital. When we launched Novel we quickly learned that educating entrepreneurs was one of the most important and difficult - and necessary - tasks. No one really knew much about revenue based financing or other options. Now, the ecosystem is exploding with new, creative options to fund growth. Are entrepreneurs skating to the puck? Definitely. Are investors taking notice, looking for opportunities to participate in this growing market? They clearly are. The market is unfolding very quickly right now.

I think that’s due to several factors, but I think knowledge and education are the keys. We have all seen that a few players out there are making serious waves in the market and making a ton of noise. Clearbanc, Pipe, and others are amplifying the message that there’s another way to fund growth, and it’s creating a wave of interest and enthusiasm among investors and founders. Over the last few years I had so many conversations with alternative capital investors who wondered when their message would break through, when entrepreneurs would listen and seriously evaluate new options. I think that day is here. Buckle up, friends.