Tejal Shah on Capital Strategy, Founder's Mindset & Building Wealth Through Diverse Experiences | Modern Investing Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Tejal Shah, VP of Investment Banking at US Capital, whose career journey spans mechanical engineering, wealth management, entrepreneurship, and investment banking. Tejal brings a rare, multidimensional lens to capital strategy—highlighting how founders and investors can leverage diverse funding mechanisms beyond traditional equity-based approaches.

We explore:

• Why non-dilutive capital (like grants, credit, and debt) is a powerful tool for founders
• How Tejal’s background as a founder informs her investment decision-making
• The psychology behind capital allocation and the role of automation in mitigating emotional bias
• Strategic relationship-building as the cornerstone of scalable success
• How to differentiate between a single product feature and a high-growth business opportunity

“Capital is more than just money—it’s the energy you’re bringing into your business. Be intentional about the trade-offs.”

Tejal’s candid perspective is a must-listen for founders looking to scale with strategic funding, and investors who want to evaluate businesses through a holistic, founder-first lens. Her practical take on wealth building integrates financial acumen with emotional intelligence and personal growth—making this episode both insightful and empowering.

About Tejal Shah:
Tejal Shah is the VP of Investment Banking at US Capital and a former startup founder with a background in engineering and wealth management. Known for her relationship-first approach to dealmaking, Tejal specializes in guiding founders through non-dilutive capital strategies, helping them preserve equity while accessing smart capital for growth. Her experience across sectors allows her to see the bigger picture and support businesses at every stage of the journey.

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