Fundraising can be both the most aggravating and comforting part of a founder’s journey. It only takes one “yes” to change everything, but getting there often means facing a mountain of “no’s.” Not every founder has the resilience to push through the rejection, but those who do often find success right when they’re ready to give up. In today’s episode, I chat with Christal Wang, co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, the top ADHD coaching platform for adults. Christal shares her journey from YC to closing a successful pre-seed round, and how she navigated the challenges of raising a $2.2M seed round after a major pivot. We dive into the emotional toll of fundraising, the importance of perseverance, and how a single “yes” can make every rejection worthwhile.

In this episode, we explore the realities of fundraising with Orri Bogdan, Founder and CEO of VAE Labs. Like many founders before him, Orri’s journey to raising a $2M seed round was fraught with challenges. From losing co-founders to product failures and numerous rejections from VCs, Orri faced it all. Yet, he persevered by immersing himself in founder communities, forging connections, and eventually securing funding from Draper Associates. Orri’s story is a testament to the grit and determination required to succeed in the startup world. Before we hear Orri’s inspiring story of resilience and success, we’ll explore what led him to become the determined founder he is today.

In this episode, we sit down with Coco Brown, founder of Athena Alliance, to discuss her journey of transforming a nonprofit into a venture-backed enterprise and successfully raising $2.5M in funding. Coco shares her experience with the challenging fundraising climate of 2023 and how she navigated countless investor rejections. She talks about the pivotal moment when one investor’s commitment turned things around and how that single yes sparked a wave of support. We explore her strategies for capital efficiency, the importance of community, and the innovative approaches she took to secure funding. Listeners will gain insights into the realities of raising capital, the power of perseverance, and the impact of having a strong network. Coco's story is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to succeed in the startup world.