I’m Sara (Townsend) Johnson, a seasoned finance professional and investor with over 17 years of experience in capital raising and unlocking growth for innovative companies. Based in the Greater Chicago Area with strong ties to Austin, Texas, I’ve facilitated the deployment of $2.0+ billion dollars across more than 100 deals, empowering businesses in sectors like SaaS, cleantech, healthcare, life sciences, and consumer markets to scale and thrive.

My career includes leadership roles such as Managing Director at Horizon Technology Finance, where I spearheaded a venture lending platform that delivered tailored debt and equity solutions to fuel company growth. Prior to that, I served as Vice President and Director at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, where I honed my skills in leveraged finance and structured complex deals that supported business expansion. These experiences have equipped me to help companies secure funding—whether through equity, structured debt, or strategic partnerships—while collaborating with world-class private equity and venture capital sponsors like Vista Equity Partners, Thoma Bravo, TPG, KKR, Carlyle Group, Francisco Partners, Bain Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Accel, and Battery Ventures. These partnerships have allowed me to align capital raises with the strategic goals of both founders and elite financial players, driving impactful results.

I’m passionate about crafting founder-friendly structures that maximize value, preserve control, and provide flexibility, drawing on my extensive deal-making experience. Across over 100 transactions, I’ve developed a knack for simplifying the complexities of capital raising, offering clear, actionable strategies that cut through the noise and make funding accessible. My approach empowers entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their businesses while I navigate the intricacies of the process.

From supporting product innovation to enabling market expansion and preparing companies for high-value exits, I’ve dedicated my career to unlocking growth at every stage. As a Limited Partner at True Wealth Ventures and a member of Chief, I also connect founders with top-tier sponsors like Andreessen Horowitz and Battery Ventures, leveraging my network to amplify their success. With a proven track record and deep industry relationships, I’m here to help businesses raise capital strategically and achieve their fullest potential.

Let’s connect to explore how I can streamline your capital-raising efforts and unlock the growth your company is ready for.