EPISODE 36Kevin and Jason sit down with Scout cofounder Tim Barnes to rethink how founders raise capital in an AI-first world. Tim breaks down why most startups overlook trillions in available non-dilutive funding, how AI can automate painful proposal and compliance workflows, and why grants should function as a continuous business development engine—not a last-minute scramble for runway. They explore how climate, deep-tech, and healthcare companies can reposition their work to match shifting federal priorities without losing their mission, how Scout is helping both startups and government agencies modernize the funding ecosystem, and why founders should pursue grants before equity to validate traction and retain ownership. Tim also shares how he thinks about defensibility as foundation models advance, when to integrate grants into a capital strategy, and what it takes to keep founders focused on building instead of pitching.CHAPTERS00:00 – Why non-dilutive funding matters01:00 – Rethinking fundraising and bootstrapping in an AI hype cycle05:30 – How Scout uses AI to unlock and manage grants10:00 – Packaging your mission for shifting policy without losing focus16:00 – When to use grants vs equity and how Scout’s fit check worksLINKSConnect with Tim BarnesScout • LinkedIn • X/TwitterSpecial OfferDirect message Tim on LinkedIn and mention Founder Mode for 20% off your first year of Scout.Stay Connected with Founder ModeSubscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.comConnect with KevinLinkedIn • X/TwitterConnect with JasonLinkedIn • X/Twitter

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