Wisdom Partners

👨💻Solo Founders, this one's for you! 🚀 Starting a business is tough, but running it solo? That’s a whole new level. From juggling all the things—networking, branding, sales—to fighting burnout, the journey can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone. 🌟 This guide dives into key challenges solo founders face and offers actionable strategies to help you thrive. Check out this new blog by Luis Pieruzzini and me: https://lnkd.in/dmHiURJR

#CEOs, are you preparing for 2025? Prof Enrique Soriano highlights key leadership strategies that every business leader needs to embrace. Strategic leadership is non-negotiable. 🚀 Soriano emphasizes that proactive and adaptive leadership is the key to steering your organization toward success in times of uncertainty. Whether it's embracing innovation, building a strong brand, or leading a digital transformation, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for growth. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gQXQ3VDt #startupdevelopment

#Founders, how do you lead through change? David Wilkinson shares his perspective as a CEO navigating massive transformation. The key takeaway? A clear vision for the future is the cornerstone of success. 💡 “Change is not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to innovate and grow.” 🔄 Check it out: https://lnkd.in/e39iuZJ9 #startupdevelopment

Scaling a team early is tough, but the right hires can be a game-changer for growth 🚀 #startupdevelopment

Early stage Bay Area #Founders, you need to meet the people at ICA Fund, which is housed at Port Labs. Vasana Ly, who heads up their Growth Fund, chatted with me about how they support diverse founders and job creation in all Bay Area counties. They have a lab/incubator and an accelerator, and they invest both small and medium sized early checks. (I also had the pleasure of chatting with another ICA gem this week: Hannah Shr.) Thanks to Kyle Valiton for the intro to ICA. Check out Vasana's beautiful story from a family of immigrant entrepreneurs to managing a venture fund.

Relentless determination is the hallmark of great founders. 💡 Matt Blomstedt of Springtime Ventures reminds us that true success comes from unwavering willpower and vision. 🚀 #startupdevelopment

#Founders, misapplied Stoicism can lead to burnout, turning resilience into rigidity and strength into exhaustion 😓 Healthy Stoicism encourages balance, emotional awareness, and self-care, preventing burnout in high-pressure environments. J.D. Meier explains how to practice Stoicism effectively, without sacrificing your well-being. (By the way, my own PhD research confirms the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence for leadership success and sustainability.) Read more: https://lnkd.in/eev8Yixu #startupdevelopment

Honesty opens the door, but compassion invites grace into the room. Check out Chu Shin's full insights on how to avoid and overcome guilt trips in our blog: https://lnkd.in/gPtxZ3gr #startupdevelopment

#Founders, you may want to (or probably should) consider raising debt funding along with equity funding. 💰 In this edition of our Wisdom Partners Investor Profile series, Andy Weyer of Spinta Capital explains why many founders tack on a debt raise after a Series A (or later) and how debt and equity funding processes are different. And, just like traditional fundraising, the best time to borrow money is when you don't need it! 😁 If you want to raise venture debt, and like to golf, don't miss his story at the end! ⛳ https://lnkd.in/g5W9GVpq

#Leaders, culture starts with you. S. Chris Edmonds reminds us that senior leaders don’t just influence culture—they drive it. 🌟 The key? Living your values daily. From modeling and communicating them, to rewarding and hiring for them, leaders set the tone for the entire organization. Check out Edmonds’ insights here: https://lnkd.in/gRpWxgCa #startupdevelopment