BJ Lackland

BJ Lackland is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the startup and venture capital industry. He is currently the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Equal Capital.1 With 25 years of experience in funding and operating startups, Lackland has played a significant role in pioneering alternative financing methods.1

Professional Background

Lackland's career has been focused on supporting and financing early-stage startups. Prior to his current role at Equal Capital, he held leadership positions in other financial institutions:

• He served as the CEO of Lighter Capital, a Seattle-based company that provides revenue-based financing to tech startups.4
• Lackland also led SVB's early-stage startup group from 2014 to 2020 and later transitioned to SVB Capital as their first Global Brand Ambassador.3

Education and Skills

BJ Lackland received his education from the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business.1 His academic achievements include:

• Being selected as a Baker-Lowe Scholar in 1993
• Writing a research paper on Chinese economic reform and opening from 1978-1993
• Presenting his research to the Lowe Institute Board of Governors

In terms of language proficiency, Lackland is a native English speaker and has limited working proficiency in Chinese.1

Expertise and Contributions

Throughout his career, Lackland has shared his expertise on various aspects of startup financing and investment:

• He has written about the potential pitfalls of convertible debt for early-stage startups.2
• Lackland has provided insights on selecting high-quality angel investors.5
• He has also offered fundraising tips for startups, emphasizing the importance of preparation, persistence, and other key factors.6

BJ Lackland's extensive experience and knowledge in the startup ecosystem make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking guidance and funding in the tech industry.