According to Crunchbase, Black women received just 0.34% of total venture capital funding in the United States in 2021.
In this interview, I share my startup journey at Fire Memos and how I secured our first six-figure investment.
SistersInc is a podcast about women business owners, presented by Black Enterprise Magazine and sponsored by Nationwide.
It was such a joy to be interviewed by Alisa Gumbs for this episode. You can watch our conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gfbXvDMn#sistersinc#techstars#startups#blackfounders
Ex-Head of DEI @ Instagram | Author of "Do You" | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Coach | CEO / Founder @Bossy and Blissful | Host of the "Leadership Latte" Podcast
On a mission to help women soar in their careers.
Founder and CEO, ShowYourWorth.ai | Bestselling Author | Keynote speaker | Former IBM VP | Angel Investor | Philanthropist | Distinguished Alumni
It took me a while to get connected with my AMAZING podcast guest this week.
Our emails kept going astray in cyberspace, so I went old-school and tracked her down at a conference. 🤣
And you’ll see/hear why it was worth the effort….
Jessica M., has over 25 years of experience in the EdTech space and has worked as an advisor, operator, and evangelist for the top EdTech brands in the world. The full spectrum!
Today, she's the Co-founder and Managing Director of Copper Wire Ventures with a mission of driving investment into women-led businesses.
And as Jessica notes "Women build more sustainable companies that have a higher valuations and exit quicker than men do for the most part.”
Yet even so, only a mere 2.7% of all venture funding went to women founders in 2019 (and that number decreased in 2020).
But that's only a small piece of what we cover on the pod. We dig into:
⭐️ The differences between angel investing and venture capital and implications for founders
⭐️ Alternative funding models and strategies for startups, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics
⭐️ Jessica's unique approach to portfolio management and support for startups that you will not want to miss
From navigating evolving funding models to amplifying support for women-led ventures, Jessica's perspectives are a must for all founders, CEOs, and investors!
#OnWorkandRevolution#fractionalleaders#Edtech#Edtechfunding#womenledfounders
Open your screen to any startup-related space and you'll see a ton of advice, catchy "tips" and "hacks" on almost any topic related to fundraising.
But if you're a serious founder you know that few of these ever touch on the tough realities of the fundraising process: the endless meetings, the uncertainty, and the sinking feeling of never quite knowing if you're up to the mark or not.
In the latest episode of Invisible Ink, Elaine Bolle, experienced angel investor, former board member of the Angel Capital Association, founder of RTP Angel Fund and indefatigable advocate and supporter of early stage startups tackles all these topics and more, head on.
Listen to her unvarnished but empathetic and spot on perspectives on:
✅ How to select the right investor groups for your startup
✅ How to successfully navigate male-dominated investor groups as a woman founder in STEM
✅ What investors look for in due diligence and how to prepare for a great diligence process
✅ How to handle term sheets and valuation discussions with credibility and realism while still protecting your interests
and much more.
I first met Elaine when we were both investor-mentors at VentureWell's med-tech accelerator. I was deeply impressed from day one by her warmth, her sharp intellect, and her genuine desire to help early stage entrepreneurs, especially women in STEM.
Tune in to this episode, and I guarantee you'll be captivated too!
On YouTube and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gPFMMpAT#startups#vc#angelinvestors#fundraising#WomenInSTEM#FinancialStorytelling#InvisibleInk
One day, many years ago, I read a story about an inspiring woman who trounced every startup stereotype imaginable in a tech-dominated space.
She started a "lifestyle" business, didn't know much about venture capital, and cared even less about becoming a unicorn.
Twenty years later, she sold her company for 1.5 billion dollars.
She has been my inspiration and role model through my entire entrepreneurial journey. I remember her path every time I talk to a founder struggling to build something great out in the world.
I was blown away when this amazing woman, who rarely gives interviews, graciously agreed to a conversation for Achiiv's Invisible Ink podcast!
This latest, very special episode of Invisible Ink features Lynda Weinman, co-founder and former executive chair of Lynda.com who bootstrapped her company and oversaw its searing growth from inception to its ultimate sale to LinkedIn for $1.5 billion.
You might know her company as LinkedIn Learning.
In this deep and enriching conversation, she shares her candid, thoughtful and experience-rich perspectives on:
✴ What led her to start her company, and what guided her growth decisions through her journey
✴ The real decision you make when you decide to take on outside investors
✴ What it feels like to lose control even when you're the "majority" shareholder
✴ The bittersweet experience of going through a life-changing exit
and much more.
A rare, wise and heartfelt take on what really matters in your startup journey, and how to keep your perspective through all the highs and lows.
Catch the entire heartwarming story on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gAQZ4_KF
Get more stories like this, real-world insights and actionable knowhow every week in your inbox: https://lnkd.in/g825ZPSt#startup#bootstrapping#unicorns#vc#womenfounders#InvisibleInk#edtech#entrepreneurship#WomenInSTEM
Radivision is proud to sponsor #SiliconValleyTechWeek and @10XGrowthStrategies present: Women VC Panel Event hosted by TiE Silicon Valley. Here from the Amazing Panelists...
- Rachna Dayal, Founder & Managing Partner, Sugati Ventures
- Preetha Ram, Managing Partner, Pier 70 Ventures
- Karen Sheffield, MBA, Founder & Managing Partner, Pachamama Ventures
- Preethy Padmanabhan, Technology Executive and Host of 10X Growth Strategies Podcast
... How women have more education, start 40% of businesses, and by 2030 are expected to control $30 trillion of US wealth. Yet :
- Only 1.9% of venture funding goes to women-led companies.
- Only 14% of corporate board seats are held by women.
- Only 1.4% of wealth is managed by women or people of color combined.
https://lnkd.in/gF5r8GGQ
If you're keen on venture capital and championing diversity, this episode is packed with insights.
I had a fascinating chat on the Angel Next Door Podcast with Laurel Mintz, Founder of Fabric VC, about empowering diverse startup founders. 🌈 Laurel shared her journey from marketing and law to venture capital, focusing on creating a more equitable future in the startup world. We discussed the importance of supporting women in VC, innovative companies Fabric VC invests in, and strategies for an inclusive ecosystem. 🚀
Tune in to discover how we can reshape the future of startups together.
#dogoodwhiledoingwell#entrepreneurship#angelinvesting
What makes a startup irresistible to investors?
In this episode of '15 Minute Mastery,' we dive deep with Vladimir Malakchi, CEO of Xanada Investments.
He reveals the keys to securing seed funding for your startup.
During this episode, we cover:
✨Why your team composition can make or break your investment pitch
✨The importance of knowing your numbers inside out, even at early stages
✨How to balance traction and potential in your startup's unique context
This show is great for anyone seeking investment.
To catch the full episode, make your way over to https://15m.com
What's the biggest challenge you've faced in securing investment?
My entrepreneurial journey started by accident. Listen to how this became the best decision. 🚀
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining Eva Landrichtinger and Nina Kraft on the Zukunfschancen podcast, where we dived deep into the world of startup investing, the role of women in VC and the emerging startup ecosystem in Europe. 🌍
Here's a taste of what we covered:
- Demystifying the world of startup investing with simple explanations. 📈
- Discussing the improving gender balance in VC and career paths for women. 💼
- Exploring European startup hubs and the influence of Silicon Valley. 🏢
- Sharing insights from my work with the Startup Council and the creation of FlexKap. 💡
This conversation made me realise that my accidental step into startup investing was the best thing that ever happened to me.
It opened my eyes to the potential of how starting your own business could be a great fit for many out there. I hope this episode inspires and raises awareness of the exciting opportunities in the startup world.
Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into these topics and more. Link in the comments. 🌟
What unexpected twists led you to where you are today?
📸 Enzo Holey | Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Wirtschaft#startups#venturecapital#investments
𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 👉🏽
🎧 A few months ago, I joined Allan Grap on his Extrameile podcast to discuss the PwC Raise program's role in empowering early-stage #startups.
We dove into the heart of #VC, the thrill of guiding early-stage startups through one of their most crucial phases - the funding round, and the critical need for supporting female #founders.
The reality is that female entrepreneurs are still vastly outnumbered with the number of female-led startups stagnating at ~20% in Germany. This isn't just a disparity—it's a missed opportunity for #innovation.
🔍 So, what can we do to level the playing field?
- Create platforms that spotlight diverse founders & offer support
- Foster a VC ecosystem that values and supports different perspectives
It's time to ask ourselves: 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠?
The #podcast is live, and I invite you to listen as we explore these pressing issues. Let's ignite a conversation on how we, as investors and industry leaders, can drive change and make venture capital truly inclusive.
Because at the end of the day, it's not just about funding—it's about shaping a future where diversity is the norm, not the exception.
#VentureCapital#Diversity#tech#femalefounders#vc
Techstars Anywhere and Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth... Looking for the most innovative pre-seed and seed technology companies on the planet
2moYou are such an inspiration!!!