Backing Self-Funded Searchers: Inside Grant Hensel’s Investment Strategy

In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Grant Hensel, Managing Partner at Entrepreneurial Capital and Founder of Nonprofit Megaphone, to explore his journey across a range of ventures—from digital marketing to e-commerce. Grant shares how his passion for entrepreneurship was sparked in his youth and how, over the years, he's launched multiple businesses—some that failed, others acquired, and a few still thriving today.

He dives into the self-funded search model, explains how he and his wife acquired and scaled a business together, and shares the values that guide his investment decisions. The conversation also touches on Sam’s role in Grant’s entrepreneurial evolution, his recipe for founder-investor alignment, and the lasting influence Warren Buffett has had on his philosophy as both a leader and investor.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring acquirer, this episode offers a rare inside look at the mindset and strategy behind scaling sustainable, operator-led businesses.

Let’s keep building… 

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