Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Trevor Barran of FNCR

10- Jul-2025

In today’s episode, Beck Bamberger sits down with Trevor Barran, Co-Founder and CEO of FNCR (formerly "Financier"), a marketplace that connects SMBs with private credit lenders who truly understand their unique needs. With over 2,000 lenders out there, FNCR is helping businesses navigate the complex world of funding.

Trevor, a serial entrepreneur, shares how his experience as a seasoned Burning Man attendee influences his approach to team building. Tune in to hear why he believes success lies in directing capital where it can create the fastest and most impactful change.

show notes:

01:34 – How FNCR is filling a huge financing gap

04:34 – The limitations of SBA loans

07:36 – Building a two-sided marketplace for SMB financing

13:31 – Attracting top talent through tough problems

16:29 – The brain teaser interview process

20:26 – The power of storytelling in business success

Read More About The Episode:

01:34 – How FNCR is filling a huge financing gap

Trevor shares the motivation behind launching FNCR, highlighting a significant gap in the market for small and medium-sized businesses that don’t qualify for VC funding or traditional bank loans.

04:34 – The limitations of SBA loans

He explains why SBA loans often fall short for larger, more established businesses due to issues with personal guarantees and lengthy processing times.

07:36 – Building a two-sided marketplace for SMB financing

Trevor and Beck discuss the challenge of connecting thousands of specialized private lenders with business owners who need their services. Trevor explains how FNCR acts as a matchmaking platform, utilizing data and technology to address the problem that neither side can solve alone.

13:31 – Attracting top talent through challenging problems

Together, they break down Trevor's approach to building high-performing teams. He explains why exposing candidates to complex issues, rather than simplifying them, is key to recruiting exceptional people.

16:29 – The brain teaser interview process

Trevor offers a behind-the-scenes look at his unconventional interview process, which includes using challenging brain teasers to assess problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills.

20:26 – The power of storytelling in business success

Reflecting on lessons learned from his experience in hospitality and finance, Trevor emphasizes the crucial role of storytelling in achieving business success. Whether securing funding, building a team, or launching a project, he emphasizes that when technical solutions alone aren’t enough, a good narrative and solid buy-in are crucial.

BAM TEAM

10- Jul-2025