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Devin: What is your superpower?
John: I'm someone who levels the playing field.
Veteran entrepreneurs face unique challenges when raising capital for their businesses. John Panaccione, CEO and Co-Founder of Folla Capital, is on a mission to change that. In today’s episode, John explained how his experience as a veteran has shaped his passion for helping others in the veteran and minority business communities succeed.
“I’ve had to live through running a business, owning a business, and raising capital,” John said. “I felt firsthand some of the challenges that we have there, but now, doing what I do, I just love helping fellow veterans and women- or minority-owned businesses deal with some of the unique challenges that we need to face.”
Folla Capital, where John serves as CEO, is a registered broker-dealer that supports clients in conducting regulation crowdfunding offerings. Their goal is to make financing more accessible for underserved communities. By leveraging tools like Reg CF and Reg D exemptions, John and his team help entrepreneurs overcome the systemic barriers that have historically excluded them from funding opportunities.
John shared several success stories from his work, including one about helping a veteran-owned software company called Oplign. The business, which helps veterans translate their military experience into civilian qualifications, raised nearly $700,000 through a Reg CF campaign. John reflected on the pride he feels when clients succeed. “There’s nothing better than when somebody calls me and says, ‘Hey, two years ago you helped me, and now we’re killing it.’ That’s the biggest reward I experience.”
John’s work is more than just helping companies raise money—it’s about building communities. Highlighting the importance of both geographic and demographic connections, he explained how Folla Capital fosters networks that empower entrepreneurs. “Crowdfunding is wonderful,” he said, “but at the end of the day, a lot of the money ends up coming from people that have some connection with the management team.”
Through Folla Capital, John is leveling the playing field for veterans and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. His work proves that with the right tools and support, these communities can thrive, creating not just businesses but stronger, more inclusive communities.
If you’re inspired by John’s mission, stay tuned for more insights later in the episode about his superpower and how he uses it to empower others.
tl;dr:
John Panaccione discussed the challenges veterans and minority entrepreneurs face when raising capital.
Folla Capital helps entrepreneurs succeed using tools like Reg CF and Reg D exemptions.
Success stories highlight the importance of building both geographic and demographic communities.
John’s superpower is leveling the playing field by teaching the rules entrepreneurs need to know.
Entrepreneurs can achieve success by exceeding standards, building networks, and fostering resilience.
How to Develop Leveling the Playing Field As a Superpower
John’s superpower is “leveling the playing field.” He explained, “I’ve learned that most people that have goals are leaders. If they know the rules, they can compete.” John prides himself on being a teacher who ensures that entrepreneurs understand the standards and rules of raising capital, empowering them to create their own success. He emphasized, “We don’t want to be the smart people with all the answers. We like to pride ourselves on being teachers.”
Illustrative Story:
One of John’s proudest success stories involves helping a group of veterans open an indoor skydiving iFly facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite skepticism and challenges, the team raised $1 million via a Reg CF campaign to unlock a $12 million financing package. This funding transformed an empty lot into a thriving business, showcasing how understanding the rules and applying them effectively can bring ambitious projects to life.
Tips for Developing This Superpower:
Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the standards and regulations in your field.
Aim Higher Than the Standard: Strive to exceed the minimum requirements for quality and preparation.
Teach Others: Share your knowledge to empower others, rather than positioning yourself as the “expert.”
Build Community: Leverage both geographic and demographic networks to support your goals.
Practice Resilience: Don’t be discouraged by skepticism—focus on proving doubters wrong through action.
By following John’s example and advice, you can make leveling the playing field a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
John Panaccione ("Pana-chone" (he/him):
CEO & Co-Founder, Folla Capital
About Folla Capital: Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Folla Capital helps small businesses raise capital and provides general investment banking advisory services for startups, active businesses, and those involved in mergers and acquisitions. Our founders are entrepreneurs ourselves. We’ve gone down the path of having to raise money the traditional way. We know what it’s like to have to make weekly payroll and the rent and constantly deal with the challenge of managing cash flow. Our core team started in North Carolina in 2018, facilitating the State’s Intrastate investment crowdfunding program called the NC PACES Act. Based on this experience, we began the process of expanding nationally to help any company, in any state, raise capital using any of the SEC exemptions including Reg D, Reg CF, and Reg A.
Website: follacapital.com
Biographical Information: John Panaccione, co-founder of Folla Capital, holds an array of SEC licenses, including Series 7, 24, 79, and 63. Folla Capital is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and helps entrepreneurs and small business owners raise capital. Prior to his Folla Capital venture in 2020, he co-founded and led the LogicBay Corporation, a software company, from 2003 to its 2020 acquisition by Pluribus Technologies, gaining extensive experience in small business finance and mergers and acquisitions.
In 2013, he co-founded VETtoCEO, a non-profit aiding transitioning military personnel in considering entrepreneurship. Before his entrepreneurial career, John held leadership roles in operations and sales across various corporate sizes. He served six years as a U.S. Army officer, primarily in the 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper units.
John holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.B.A. from Bryant University, focusing on Technology and Operations Management.
Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/FollaCapital
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/69705255
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Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Crowdfunding Addict: Lessons Learned from a Year of Daily Investments, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.
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