We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claude Darmony. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claude below.

Claude , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

Starting Wefund LLC was a journey fueled by both ambition and a strong desire to create something new in the merchant cash advance space. The idea came from identifying a gap in the market—small businesses with prior defaults or financial setbacks that couldn’t secure funding through traditional means. I saw an opportunity to support these businesses with the capital they needed to grow.

The first step was understanding the market inside and out. I immersed myself in research, understanding the intricacies of merchant cash advances, regulations, and risk management. I also made sure to network extensively, building relationships with financial institutions, partners, and businesses. It’s important to have a strong foundation before you take the plunge.

One of the key challenges in setting up the firm was securing capital. Since Wefund LLC is a direct funder, building liquidity was crucial, and it required both perseverance and strategic partnerships with banks and investors. Another challenge was creating a reliable platform to handle both underwriting and servicing. We developed a custom CRM system tailored specifically for Wefund LLC, which allowed us to streamline processes and operate more efficiently, but it took time to get everything running smoothly.

If I could have done anything differently, I would have placed more emphasis on building the team from the outset. Initially, I tried to wear too many hats, which slowed down our ability to scale. Bringing in talent early, especially in operations and marketing, would have accelerated our growth.

For young professionals considering starting their own firm, my advice would be to focus on two things: preparation and resilience. Understand your industry thoroughly before you start, and be ready to face setbacks with persistence. Surround yourself with mentors and build a strong network—they will be your sounding board in tough times. Most importantly, believe in your vision, but stay flexible in your approach.

Starting Wefund LLC wasn’t easy, but every challenge was a stepping stone to building a firm that helps businesses get back on their feet.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Claude Darmony, and I’m the founder and president of Wefund LLC, a merchant cash advance direct funder. My journey into the world of finance and funding started with a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to help small businesses that were struggling to access capital through traditional routes. I saw firsthand how difficult it was for these businesses, especially those with prior defaults or financial setbacks, to get the funding they needed to survive and grow. That inspired me to enter this industry and provide a solution.

At Wefund LLC, we specialize in offering alternative funding to small businesses that don’t meet the strict lending criteria of banks. Our primary service is merchant cash advances, where we provide upfront capital to businesses in exchange for a percentage of their future sales. We help companies overcome temporary financial challenges by providing quick, flexible funding when they need it most. What sets us apart from others in the industry is our willingness to work with businesses that may have faced financial difficulties in the past, offering them a second chance to thrive.

We’ve built our own custom CRM to streamline underwriting and servicing, which allows us to provide faster decisions and better service to our clients. This efficiency is a big part of what makes us different, but I’d say what truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding each client’s unique situation and offering tailored solutions, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made on small businesses. Many of our clients were able to expand, stabilize, or even save their businesses with the funding we provided. Knowing that Wefund LLC plays a role in supporting entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.

For potential clients, the key thing I want them to know is that we’re here to help them succeed. We understand that financial setbacks can happen, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. We’re committed to working with businesses to find the right funding solutions, no matter their past. Our goal is to empower businesses with the resources they need to grow.

At the heart of Wefund LLC is a belief in second chances and the power of resilience. We want our clients to know that with the right support, even the toughest challenges can be overcome, and we’re here to help them do just that.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first decided to start Wefund LLC, securing the initial capital was one of the biggest challenges. Being a direct funder in the merchant cash advance industry requires significant liquidity from day one. To make this possible, I had to combine multiple strategies.

Initially, I started with personal savings, which allowed me to cover some of the basic startup costs like technology, legal setup, and marketing. However, since Wefund LLC’s business model is built on providing upfront capital to businesses, I knew that relying solely on personal funds wouldn’t be sustainable for growth.

To expand our financial capacity, I established strategic partnerships with several private investors and financial institutions who believed in our mission. I spent a great deal of time networking and pitching the vision of Wefund LLC—emphasizing the untapped potential in funding small businesses that had been overlooked by traditional lenders. Through these efforts, I was able to bring in the necessary capital to not only launch the business but to also maintain the liquidity required to service clients.

This combination of personal investment and strategic external funding gave us the flexibility to scale quickly and start helping businesses from day one. It wasn’t an easy process, and there were many long conversations and negotiations, but ultimately, it was about finding the right partners who shared our vision of helping small businesses thrive.

Looking back, I’m proud of how we managed to secure the funding we needed while remaining true to our mission. For anyone starting out, my advice would be to be patient, have a clear vision, and build relationships with people who believe in your long-term goals.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team effectively while maintaining high morale is crucial to the success of any organization, including Wefund LLC. Here are some key strategies that I’ve found to be essential in fostering a positive and productive work environment:

1. Open Communication: Encouraging open and transparent communication is vital. I make it a priority to keep lines of communication open, whether through regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, or an open-door policy. This not only helps in addressing any concerns promptly but also fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.
2. Recognizing Contributions: It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and achievements of team members. Whether it’s through public recognition in team meetings, awards, or simple thank-you notes, recognizing contributions helps employees feel valued and motivated.
3. Empowerment and Autonomy: Allowing team members to take ownership of their projects empowers them to perform at their best. I encourage autonomy by giving my team the freedom to make decisions and contribute their ideas. This fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement in their work.
4. Professional Development: Investing in the growth of your team is not only beneficial for them but also for the organization. I prioritize providing opportunities for professional development, whether through training sessions, workshops, or mentorship. When employees see that their growth is valued, it enhances their loyalty and morale.
5. Team Building Activities: Building a strong team dynamic is essential. I encourage team bonding through regular team-building activities, whether formal retreats or informal social gatherings. These activities help strengthen relationships, improve collaboration, and create a positive work atmosphere.
6. Work-Life Balance: Finally, promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial for maintaining morale. I encourage my team to take breaks, use their vacation time, and respect personal boundaries. A balanced team is more productive and engaged.

In summary, managing a team and maintaining high morale is about creating a supportive and empowering environment. By prioritizing communication, recognition, empowerment, development, teamwork, and balance, we can cultivate a motivated team that is committed to our shared goals. Ultimately, a happy team leads to a successful business, and that’s something I strive for every day at Wefund LLC.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.wefundeasy.com
• Instagram: Wefundeasy