Karen Rands, a nationally recognized capital strategist and champion of Compassionate Capitalism™. With over two decades of experience advising entrepreneurs and investors, Karen brings deep expertise in capital readiness, fundraising strategy, and investor engagement. Through her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings, and as the founder of The Compassionate Capitalist Movement™, she has helped countless startups and small businesses scale, attract funding, and prepare for successful exits.   

Karen formerly was the Managing Director for Network of Business Angels and Investors (NBA&I).  She previously served as the Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Florida, where she also graduated with her Masters in Business Administration.  Karen has lived in Atlanta for most of her adult life after graduating from Emory University with her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English.   Karen is the best-selling author of investor primer of Inside Secrets of Angel Investing:  Step-by-Step Guide to Passive Wealth Creation through Private Equity Investing, with her second book: Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing- Follow Jane’s Journey.  Learn How the Next Generation is Investing for Passion, Purpose, and Profit.  Karen is host of the top-rated business podcast The Compassionate Capitalist™ Show, and co-hosts the new podcast Capital Conversations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrands/

David Conti joins Launch Fayette as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Customer Discovery & Go-To-Market Strategy

David Conti brings more than 20 years of experience in digital strategy, marketing, and technology. He has founded three startups in the home services sector and served as an intrapreneur inside major organizations, where he launched high-impact ventures across digital services and retail. His track record includes leading go-to-market strategies for new products and programs—ranging from rental subscriptions and e-waste trade-in programs to the international expansion of charter schools and higher-education campuses—as well as guiding due diligence for two successful exits.

Through these experiences, David has developed a passion for customer discovery and go-to-market strategy. He thrives on helping founders analyze their market, validate assumptions, achieve product-market fit, and design scalable launch strategies that create lasting traction.

David currently serves as the Director of Growth & Development for the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidconti

"With the addition of Karen and David to our program, we expanded our team of very experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs to better serve our members and expand entrepreneurship in our community.” said Launch Fayette Director Steve Justice.