Once early success starts to take shape in building a restaurant company, founders often face a new question: should I take on an investor and what should I expect? That’s the focus of an  upcoming Franchise Times webinar , “Accelerate Your Emerging Brand With Private Equity or Alternative Investment,” presented in partnership with  CapitalSpring . The session brings together private equity experts and restaurant founders who’ve already gone through the process of bringing in a private equity investor. The webinar is part of Franchise Times' Top 400 Exclusive Webinar Series which is designed to provide an inside look at the sales growth, marketing and development tactics of the largest franchise brands in the United States. It will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. CDT.  CapitalSpring’s Head of Investment Group  Erik Herrmann and Head of Strategic Operations  Jim Balis will be joined by Prime Pizza CEO  Zak Fishman , Hat Creek Burger Company President  Drew Gressett and The Works Café Founder/CEO  Richard French . Growing the Right Way These Founders will share insights on what makes an investor relationship successful and why the best partnerships go far beyond capital. “Capital has become a commodity and if you're looking to grow your business, seek out a partner who can help you strategically as well,” Herrmann said. “It's as much about what other capabilities can be brought to the table to get the job done.” CapitalSpring’s approach is about partnership — bringing not only capital but also strategic expertise and operational support to help brands grow faster and stronger. The firm’s highly supportive approach focuses on leveraging the DNA of each brand and leveraging those elements that make the business successful. “Every brand we work with has its own personality and priorities,” Balis said. “Some founders want us in the weeds on operations; others are looking for help with strategy or finance. We try to provide the support they need without stepping in and running their business for them. That’s one of the core differences with CapitalSpring. We form a partnership and collaborate with the management team to develop strategies that drive results.” Lessons From Founders Who’ve Been There The panel will feature several restaurant founders who’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to partner with CapitalSpring — and how the right investment relationship can help a brand move from momentum to scale. "It’s easy to find money to grow your business with, but finding a true partner who understands your needs and is aligned with your priorities is the key," Fishman said.  Gressett echoes that sentiment, noting that private equity has the potential to transform how founders think about growth. "The key insight I’d share with other emerging brands is to treat PE as a co-pilot, not a cash machine,” he  said. “CapitalSpring is a firm who aligned with my vision culturally and brought operational experience as well. Their network and playbook has helped fast-track growth in ways solo funding never could.” For French, the difference comes down to CapitalSpring's over two decades of experience investing in the space. "CapitalSpring takes the time and understands the importance of knowing what your 'special sauce’ is and will never try to change that - it’s the opposite, they focus on what has made you successful and pours gas on the fire,” he said. Join the Conversation Whether your concept is just gaining traction or already preparing for expansion, this webinar will offer a clear look at how to find the right investment partner.  Register today to save your spot. For more information about CapitalSpring, please visit  www.capitalspring.com .