Happy New Year and welcome to a brand-new episode of Scrushy on Business!

Richard Scrushy to kicks off 2026 with a practical conversation about how entrepreneurs should think at the start of a new year—what to review, what to fix, and how to build a plan you can actually execute.

Richard shares a real example from a listener who's preparing to take a company public, and why staying a "pure play" matters when you're pitching investors.

They break down why over-diversifying can kill momentum, how smart founders think about growth rates and valuations, and when it's time to consider an exit strategy—before growth slows and markets react.

The discussion also dives into the AI investment boom, where the money is flowing, and what that means for everyday business owners who aren't building an AI startup. Richard explains why investors still fund "regular" businesses—HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, retail, and more—when the model is proven and the path to scale is clear.

Finally, Richard answers listener questions about the hardest decisions entrepreneurs face: When should you quit your full-time job to go all-in?

How do you fund growth without putting your family at risk? How do you handle fear of failure when starting from scratch?

📩 Send your questions to: info@ScrushyOnBusiness.com

👍 If you're watching on YouTube, subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode.

Thinking about raising venture capital for your startup or growing business? In this episode of Scrushy on Business, Richard Scrushy breaks down what founders need to know before pitching VCs—plus what investors look for (and what gets you turned down fast).

Richard shares real-world lessons from building and backing companies, including why speed and scale often matter more than early profitability, and how to structure your company so you don't kill your deal before it starts. He also discusses how media is changing (radio vs. digital platforms), why hyper-local content matters, and how today's founders can adapt to a world driven by phones, streaming, and YouTube.

• What venture capital firms look for in a founder and a pitch

• The pitch deck flow: problem → solution → market size → traction → go-to-market → financials

• Why "Why now?" and "Why you?" can make or break your raise

• How to explain market size, growth, and scaling strategy

• What "burn rate" means and why VCs obsess over it

• Why your cap table and company structure must be clean

• How vesting equity can retain key leaders and reduce turnover

• Term sheet red flags: board control, anti-dilution, authority limits, and founder protection

• Why being prepared (down to details) matters in investor meetings

• How founders should respond to rejection—and use feedback to improve

Got a question you want answered on the show? Email info@scrushyonbusiness.com.

Subscribe for more episodes on venture capital, entrepreneurship, leadership, deal-making, and building companies that scale.

#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #PitchDeck #Entrepreneurship #TermSheet #BusinessStrategy #BurnRate #CapTable #Fundraising #Startups #VC

In this episode of Scrushy on Business, Dave Greene and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy break down the real world of venture capital, sky-high AI valuations, and the practical steps every entrepreneur must take to start and grow a business the right way.

From OpenAI's $300B valuation and SpaceX as the world's most valuable private company, to Databricks' bold claim it can become a $1 trillion AI company, Richard explains how investors actually think about valuation, dilution, and return on investment—and what that means for your startup.

Then the conversation pivots from Wall Street to Main Street, as Richard lays out the traits of a true entrepreneur and his 9 key steps for starting a business: from researching your idea and naming your company to building your brand, website, and marketing plan. He also shares how to structure your company, attract investors, and avoid common mistakes that kill deals before they start.

You'll also hear:

• Why some biotech and AI companies raise millions without being profitable

• How investors look at pre-money vs. post-money valuation

• What anti-dilution clauses are and why they can cripple a company

• Real-world stories from Richard's $1.7 billion acquisition experience

• How to negotiate with owners who are emotionally attached to their business

• Richard's daily habits and routines (including his 7-day-a-week workout) that keep him sharp as a leader

• How entrepreneurs can find their purpose even when they're just trying to survive and pay the bills

This episode is brought to you by:

DraftKings: Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code SCRUSHY. Bet five bucks and get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

🔔 Subscribe to Scrushy on Business for more real, unfiltered conversations about building, buying, and scaling companies.

📩 Send your questions for Richard: info@ScrushyOnBusiness.com

Follow & Connect:
📱 Social: @ScrushyOnBusiness
📩 Email your questions: info@ScrushyOnBusiness.com