Privately funded ventures, particularly early-stage startups and family businesses, often neglect to focus on building robust corporate governance. And even VC-funded scaleups often look to their Board of Directors for little more than auditing financials and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Today’s troubled economic climate, diminished trust in institutions, and concerns about data privacy demand that these companies view governance as an engine of sustainable growth. In an era marked by funding volatility and heightened expectations for accountability, neglecting investor relationship management and transparency can severely hinder a startup's long-term viability. This session delves into how effective governance frameworks are no longer a "nice-to-have" but a critical necessity for attracting investment, navigating potential downturns, and fostering the trust of customers and talent. Our panel of three experts will explore practical strategies for building governance structures that help companies survive and thrive.