In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Cox, President & CEO of InRoads Credit Union, and one of the sharpest financial leaders I’ve had the pleasure of talking to. Nathan has spent 35+ years guiding companies through every stage of growth—from million-dollar start-ups to billion-dollar corporate portfolios. And today, he gives us a rare behind-the-scenes look at how funders actually evaluate your business, your projections, and your potential.

We dig into the realities of fundraising that most founders never get to hear, how investors think, what they look for, and the data that separates believable projections from “pie in the sky.” Nathan also shares incredible insights on leadership, strategic planning, relationship-building, and personal development that every entrepreneur needs in their toolkit. If you're preparing to raise capital, build a team, or scale with confidence, this is absolutely a masterclass.

[1:42] – Nathan shares the unexpected path that led him into banking—and how a college basketball challenge shaped his competitive drive.

[8:55] – The three traits Nathan sees in every successful business, from $1M to $1B in revenue.

[15:40] – Why entrepreneurs must write their business plans through the eyes of the investor, not themselves.

[22:50] – Nathan explains how funders evaluate projections—and why anything beyond 18–24 months is noise.

[33:05] – What peer data really means, and the red flags investors look for when your projections exceed industry averages.

[44:10] – A breakdown of funding stages: self-funding, angels, private equity, senior debt, and when each makes sense.

[58:02] – Nathan’s leadership philosophy and how he builds cultures where people feel seen, supported, and eager to grow.

[1:11:20] – The importance of mentors vs. sponsors—and how to position yourself to be championed by the right people.

[1:21:44] – Nathan’s final advice for aspiring founders: trust your heart, drown out the noise, and never give up.

• Nathan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-nathan-cox/
• Nathan’s Website: https://www.inroadscu.org/
• Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
• Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/