The Untold Truth About Startups and Banks — How to Leverage Banking Relationships for Faster Growth

"I want to consult about financing, but how much will they really trust my business plan?” “I’d like to explore a partnership, but I can’t read what the person across the table is really thinking.” For many startups, banks are among the most familiar and yet most challenging partners to navigate. This session is a deep dive discussion aimed at bridging the divide between startups and banks. When is the right timing and approach to negotiate debt financing? Beyond loans, how can startups tap into a bank’s assets such as its customer network and credibility to drive business growth? And what do banks truly expect from startups, and what concerns are they not voicing? This session moves beyond textbook finance and polished case studies to reveal real world frustrations, behind the scenes negotiations, and practical insider know-how — openly shared by both startups and bankers. For every CEO and CFO looking to turn their bank relationship from a funding option into a lever for strategic growth, this is a must attend session.