Sell 5–20% of your founder shares to existing investors mid-round — take chips off the table.
In competitive Series B/C/D rounds, founders often negotiate a secondary alongside primary — selling $500K–$10M of their own common/preferred stock to incoming investors (or existing ones adding). Reduces personal risk without changing the cap table structure. Typically taxed as long-term capital gains (if held 1+ yr) — often QSBS-eligible for up to $10M exclusion under §1202.
Click Generate advisory deep dive for mechanics, IRC citations, a step-by-step execution plan, a worked numeric example on your profile, costs, risks, and this-week actions.
Buy a $1M–$5M business with 10% down, 10-yr amortization.
10% down, 20–25 yr fixed for owner-occupied real estate.
Owner becomes the bank — negotiate rate, term, and structure.
Tap home equity to fund higher-yield investments.
Borrow against your stock portfolio without selling.
Speed capital for flips, bridges, and value-add plays.
Rental loans qualified on property cash flow, not personal DTI.
Raise from LPs to acquire larger assets you couldn't alone.