Neha Govindraj

Building a new era of brick-and-mortar financing via @BonsideInc. Prev @Glowbar_ & @BainAlerts

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

For the past year, we've been building our infrastructure: crafting our instrument, onboarding users, and deploying capital.

In the past few months, 1 thing became certain: we're here to stay.

With that, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Bonside.

https://t.co/lW5lxPQBgb

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

“SMB financing is hard”

It sure is. You know whats less hard?

Law firm financing
Inventory financing
Equipment financing
Brick and mortar financing

Break it up, sub-divide.
Tailor the vehicle, reposition it.

Tackling 99% of businesses in one go is a near impossible feat.

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

SBA 7a tightening up. I get that it’s meant to screen out lower quality businesses. But it also means the burden only increases for the high quality businesses.

Better ways to solve the problem.
Probably why we’re seeing more folks.

Also, hi — back to Twitter!

[Codie Sanchez @Codie_Sanchez]

This’ll mean:

• Approvals are tougher
• Paperwork increases
• Fewer marginal applications get through

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

We’re nearly fully deployed on our $5mm fund (raised 8 mos ago) and with co-investors for each deal, it totals ~$10mm of deployment

Today, we announce an initial closing of Flagship Fund — w/ $15mm committed & led by @kimcorealty

Lots to build… excited for what’s ahead 🧱

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

@croul20 Yes please!

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

@alexkirsh7 🙏

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Last week we closed our largest deal yet – and we will top that pretty quickly, as soon as next week.

With the growth ahead, we're hiring for a VP, Asset Management. Think: strong investment opinions & comfort w/ capital markets

💼 JD avail on LI & interviews begin nxt wk!

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Yesterday, our entire team was going hard on different ambitious projects.

In the *background*, we closed our largest deal yet in under 24 hours.

Our first deal was as a quarter of the size and took months of dedicated effort.

So much to do but I love that we’re here.

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Just spoke to students @TheGarageNU — what an amazing group. Something about them (and being back on campus) made it so easy to talk freely about getting started / early failures / who I was

Love spending time w @NorthwesternU in this way

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Hiring for a senior finance/investment role as we scale deployment of the RRA.

Investment leadership, executive presence and hunger to win required.

Message me if you know folks who fit the bill!

[Capital Flows @Globalflows]

Never bet against the US consumer

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Was discussing with a biz owner the value of a diversified capital stack & we unpacked how tech cos have a variety of options – but it's limited for B&M.

Biz owners don't come to Bonside just bc they 'need' capital, it's often in the interest of building a diversified cap stack

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Two types of pop-ups IMO: (1) buzzy – ie stunning design & (2) profit machine. A lot of folks learned from (2) and have taken those learnings into permanent retail.

Profit machines = lean buildouts, killer pre-marketing & efficient use of space.

You'll see signs of it now!

[Codie Sanchez @Codie_Sanchez]

Most underrated business model?

Popup stores.

Why?
• Highly flexible
• Low upfront costs
• They can go crazy viral

7 companies that win with popups:

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Applying and receiving financing from Bonside is now fully done on platform.

No emails, no attachments, no exports – just Bonside tooling.

I am so excited for what this means for future financings...

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Equity often gets left off APR comp charts

“Right now the cost of capital from equity can be as high as 40%, while debt is closer to between 15% and 20% for late-stage cos.” @jyotibansalsf

Calculate equity’s cost & ensure you’re seeing an ROI on it, not always the right choice

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

The best relationships I've built in the last 3 years started without an ask –just a genuine connection & curiosity.

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

The rise of B&M...

[Ashwinn @Shwinnabego]

Eras of post-MBA goals
2009 - 2013: banking / consulting
2013 - 2016: product manager
2016 - 2021: DTC founder
2021 - Now: buy local services business

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Two phrases I think about weekly:

1. "Locus of control" – when thinking about the next day, the next week
2. "Forest through the trees" – when planting the right seeds to avoid pitfalls & ensure wins

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

We all know @Chewy as the hub for pet goods.

And now they're expanding into brick & mortar –– with a service. Hello, Chewy Vet Care Clinics!

[Neha Govindraj @nehagov]

Deal drop day, our biggest yet!

Which means... this is the most we've held back for Bonside Select (those who participate on an individual basis).

New deal. New max. New city. 🤠