Should you bootstrap or should you borrow?

Debt vs. Bootstrapping is a founder-first course that breaks down what it really means to self-fund, borrow, or blend capital strategies without the pressure, gatekeeping, or VC hype. Whether you're scaling sustainably or just figuring out your next move, this course will help you understand your options, avoid burnout, and make smarter funding decisions rooted in clarity, not fear.

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Access to first module of Debt vs. Bootstrapping

Includes founder story + foundational context

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Founder Membership

$15/MO

Full access to Debt vs. Bootstrapping course

Grants + resource drops

Private founder community & discussion threads

Access to live events, retreats, pop-ups, and mixers

New founder tools launching soon (real estate chatbot, fundraising support)

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$15/MONTH

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Lifetime access to the full Debt vs. Bootstrapping course

Self-paced, on-demand format

Includes all modules + downloads

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No community or event access

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Sengo is a bold, new model for funding & connection

What is our offering?

Sengo is a digital ecosystem with forthcoming technology to support 1) fundraising and 2) impact measurement.

We are here to close the gap between community and resource sharing, especially as it relates to fundraising.

Our core offering includes a digital platform, funding opportunities, investment connections, and curated events.

In the first half of 2025, Sengo has offered over $30,000 in grant funding, hosted 8 events across 3 states and 3 countries, and supported over $2M in funds raised by founders on the platform.

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Hey, I'm Ila

I'm a passionate entrepreneur with a mission to bridge the gap between underrepresented founders and access to capital. With over $100 million in real estate transactions, I've seen firsthand the barriers operators face. That's why I founded Sengo, a platform to democratize access to private funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

This course is designed for early-stage and scaling founders who want to make intentional, confident decisions about how to fund their business — especially if you’re unsure whether to take on debt, stay bootstrapped, or explore alternative capital strategies.

Is this course for female founders?

Nope! While it was first shared through a partnership with IFundWomen, the course is open to founders of all identities, industries, and backgrounds. The content is founder-first, not founder-specific.

How much does it cost?

You can preview the first module for free. Full access is included in the $15/month Sengo Founder Membership, which also gives you access to grants, events, tools, and the community. You can also purchase the course on its own for a one-time fee.

Is this financial advice?

No. This course is educational and strategic in nature. It does not replace legal, tax, or financial advice. We strongly encourage you to talk with a professional before making major financial decisions.

What is included in the offer?

You’ll get:

5+ in-depth modules
Lessons on bootstrapping strategy, burnout avoidance, debt structure, cash flow planning, and capital stack design
Real-life scenarios and frameworks like the Cash Conversion Cycle and the Elegant Solution Principle
Tools to assess if/when you're ready for funding
Optional bonus materials and links to further reading

Will this tell me how to get a loan or raise capital?

This course won’t pitch specific loan products or funders, but it will teach you how to assess if your business is ready for funding, what type of capital might fit best, examples of debt sources, and how to avoid common financial pitfalls that hurt founders later.

Is this course good for founders at any stage?

Absolutely. The frameworks are designed to be adapted no matter your stage. If you’re pre-revenue, the lessons on testing, bootstrapping systems, and financial pacing will help you build with clarity from the start

Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any investment involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Sengo is not a registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, or crowdfunding platform. All fundraising opportunities are made available through third-party partners or issuers and are subject to their respective terms and compliance processes. Always consult your legal or financial advisor before making investment decisions.