Meet Charlotte Ketelaar, the Co-Founder and CEO of Capwave AI, a platform that empowers startups to secure funding faster and connect with investors who truly understand their potential.
Charlotte’s journey to founding Capwave AI is rooted in her extensive experience across Wall Street and Silicon Valley. After launching a boutique investment bank and mentoring hundreds of founders, she noticed a recurring problem: many promising startups were getting stuck in the complicated and time-consuming process of raising capital. Recognizing that founders should be focusing on their big ideas—not caught up in the intricacies of fundraising—Charlotte envisioned a scalable solution. She developed Capwave AI in order to help streamline the funding journey, using AI to bridge the gap between what investors expect and what founders deliver.
During our conversation, Charlotte shared her mission to democratize access to capital, the challenges she’s faced in building Capwave AI, and her commitment to fostering a supportive community for founders.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Capwave AI?
I started out as an investment banker in New York. When a friend asked me to help with her capital raise, we secured $40 million. Word got out, and I ended up launching ZWANET, a boutique investment bank for Series A and B startups. After mentoring hundreds of founders, it became clear that capital raising is always the biggest challenge, especially for early-stage companies. ZWANET wasn’t the right fit for them, so I knew we needed a more scalable solution. That’s how Capwave was born—an all-in-one platform that helps founders nail their investor materials, speak the right language, and connect with investors who actually fund their type of business. It’s hyper-personalized, making capital raising faster and smarter, so founders can focus on building their business.
What is the underlying mission of Capwave AI? How does your work make a difference in people’s lives?
Capital raising is one of the most stressful parts of the founder journey. VCs hold a clear advantage. The key challenge is closing the gap between what investors expect and what founders know. That’s where we step in. We help founders craft their pitch in the investor’s language, prepare for tough questions, and connect with the right people. This cuts preparation and raising time by at least 50%. Our mission is to personalize the process, boost founder confidence, and democratize access to capital so every founder has a real shot at getting investment.
How have you navigated the growth of Capwave AI while staying true to your core values?
We stay true to our core values and ensure sustainable growth by using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to keep us aligned. EOS helps us assess where we are, tackle issues early, and set quarterly goals during offsite sessions that blend business with team-building activities like pickleball and game nights. Beyond our internal team, we’re also building a vibrant community for founders on our platform—during and after their capital raises. They can share insights, ask questions, and receive answers within 48 hours. Our core values—Act as Owners, Be Transparent, Have a Bias to Action, and Be Data-Driven—are embedded in everything we do. Every team member is accountable. We operate with an open strategy; we’re genuinely building the company together.
“Our mission is to personalize the process, boost founder confidence, and democratize access to capital so every founder has a real shot at getting investment.”
Can you share a time when staying true to your mission or values required you to slow down or take a different path in your growth journey?
While building Capwave, we initially believed founders would benefit most from educational content on the platform. However, during our beta phase, we discovered that what founders truly needed was pitch-deck feedback and a stronger investor matching process. Founders wanted more than just a list; they needed warm introductions to investors who understood their business. To make this a reality and help founders raise capital with greater confidence, we had to rebuild the advanced investor matching and network integration. This decision delayed our full product launch by two months, but it was essential to truly deliver value. As a result, Capwave is now the go-to platform for capital raising. Investors view startups on our platform as higher-quality because they are better organized, pitch more effectively, and connect with the right investors. It’s become a win-win for both founders and investors, saving time and effort on both sides.
When your work life gets intense, how do you disconnect and recharge? What rituals help you reset and refocus?
When things get intense, I find that disconnecting is essential. Walking my dogs clears my mind, while chatting with fellow founders offers valuable perspective. My favorite way to unplug? Two-day hiking trips with my husband—there’s nothing like nature to reset. I also stick to rituals that keep me balanced: weekly yoga, evening walks, and a nightly routine of magnesium with tart cherry juice and a calming 528Hz playlist.
Which personal relationships or life experiences have had the greatest influence on your leadership style?
Throughout my career, I’ve had both supportive and obstructive managers, which has shaped my leadership style. Early on, I had a great boss who encouraged my growth. Later, a manager stifled my progress. This contrast taught me the importance of fostering a growth-focused environment. Now, as the CEO of two businesses, I prioritize being a supportive leader by actively listening to my team and helping them develop. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last, I ask my team to set their top three career goals each year and check in quarterly to ensure they’re making progress. It’s all about creating a space where people feel empowered to grow and succeed.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
The value of listening and staying open to change. Listen to customers, your team, and trusted advisors to help you see blind spots. Balancing feedback with your vision ensures you can adapt and steer the company in the right direction, even when things are uncertain.
What advice would you give to other women wanting to start or grow businesses in an intentional way?
Lead with intention and confidence. Trust your instincts, but also surround yourself with a strong support network—mentors, peers, and advisors who can offer guidance and challenge your thinking. Be clear on your vision and values, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Focus on building a business that reflects what matters most to you and prioritize listening to both your customers and your team. Remember, success isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating something sustainable and impactful on your terms.
Charlotte is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.