My co-owner Brittany and I went to New York Tech Week last week, and a time was had! It was an eye-opening experience filled with valuable lessons and inspirational moments. One of the things that stood out to me the most was how few women and especially women who looked like me, were in this room. But it felt amazing to be in spaces where we could share Boundless Audio’s story and our hope for the future in the podcasting space. If you’re in the process of trying to get funding for a business or even monetizing your brand or podcast and find yourself in spaces like New York Tech Week, here are our top 10 takeaways that can help on your journey:
Networking is Key: Networking is more than just exchanging business cards. It's about forming meaningful connections and nurturing those relationships. A "no" now can turn into a "yes" later.
Stay True to Yourself: Only 2% of VC funding goes to women, but you don’t need to adopt a "tech bro" persona to succeed. Authenticity is your greatest asset, and people can see through inauthentic behavior.
Simplify Your Message: Angel investor Katie Dunn’s advice to "talk to me like I’m 5" resonated with us. While investors may be experts, they might not be familiar with your field. Explain your business simply and clearly.
Be Open-Minded: Having a plan is important, but so is flexibility. Tech Week can be overwhelming, so stay open to new ideas and unexpected connections. You never know who you'll meet and what opportunities will arise.
Ask Questions: Don’t be shy. Engage actively in panels and discussions. Ask investors about their interests and founders about their journeys. You'll gain invaluable insights.
Master Your Elevator Pitch: Be ready to describe what you do concisely and effectively. Everyone you meet will ask, so practice different iterations of your pitch to keep it fresh and engaging.
Show Your Value: Female-led companies outperform male-led ones by 63%. Demonstrate your worth and the value you bring to the table. Investors are looking for strong returns, and you can deliver.
Don't Hesitate to Ask: Women often raise less funding than they need. Don’t be afraid to ask for more. Make your case confidently and ask for what you truly need to succeed.
Attend Women-Led Events: Surround yourself with successful women. Their stories and successes will inspire you and boost your confidence. It's empowering to be among women who are "doing the damn thing."
Own Your Space: The tech industry may be predominantly white and male, but your uniqueness is your strength. Use it to stand out and attract attention to your innovative ideas.
New York Tech Week reminded us of the incredible power of community and the importance of staying true to ourselves. Let’s use these takeaways to continue growing, learning, and supporting each other as we continue to show why more female-led voices are needed in this industry.
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"Show Your Value: Female-led companies outperform male-led ones by 63%." This is interesting to know!