Ignite’s Post

Today we want to shine the spotlight on Kavya Sharman, PhD, whose venture is Phase Capital, a Nashville-based early stage biotech fund that is addressing the local gap in biotech infrastructure and funding. When seeking advice for women and girls today, she offered insightful guidance: Don’t think within the lens of ‘as a woman” or “as a girl.” Focus on achieving your goals independent of any societal or demographic constraints, identify the people that are in your corner as early as possible, and stay actively away from those who question your capabilities. There’s a big difference between those who will positively critique your work with the goal of helping you and those that don’t believe you can succeed and therefore continuously criticize your abilities. The way you feel after meeting with people will tell you which of these categories they fall in. My favorite meetings are ones where I leave feeling challenged but ready to take on the world—surround yourself with people that make you feel this way. Your journey is too short to surround yourself with people that make you feel intentionally small. Also, trust your vision. You see the world the way no one else does. As an entrepreneur, by definition, you are creating something that has never been created before. Stay true to your vision and surround yourself with people that will support and challenge you, without enforcing their vision on you. Read more from Kavya, and the other incredible women in our Founder program here: https://lnkd.in/gzdJ9cGM #entrepreneurship #innovation #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐕 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬: 𝐊𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐳'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 In 1977, Kay Koplovitz became the first woman to lead a TV network in the US, founding what would become USA Networks. But that was just the beginning. After selling the network for $4B in 1998, she embarked on an even more impactful mission: transforming the landscape for women entrepreneurs. In 1999, when she asked about women applying for angel investment, the answer was shocking: "Women? We don't see any women. None of them have even applied to us. We don't even know what women would be doing in any of these technology areas." Kay saw this not as a barrier, but as an opportunity. The results speak for themselves. Her accelerator, Springboard Enterprises, has achieved remarkable success: • 930 companies supported over 24 years • 200+ successful acquisitions • 28 IPOs (3𝒙 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆) • 10 companies valued at $1B+ "I've always believed that in chaos there are great opportunities," Kay says. In today's era of AI transformation and market uncertainty, she continues to bet on women-led innovation. Her legacy isn't just about breaking the glass ceiling, it's about creating a whole new room. Read the interview with Kay, link is in the first comment below. What women-led business success stories can you share? #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

As we gear up for the upcoming Female https://lnkd.in/gk9RK4H8 on May 11, 2024, we want to extend a special invitation to everyone, regardless of where you stand on your entrepreneurial or investment journey. Whether you're at the very beginning, contemplating taking that first bold step into entrepreneurship or investment, or you're already navigating the challenges and triumphs of your venture, the FFFB Summit is the perfect meeting point for you. 🚀 The Summit is designed not only to celebrate achievements but also to foster beginnings. It's a place where you can: - Connect with like-minded individuals at various stages of their journey, from seasoned entrepreneurs to those just starting to consider their path. - Gain Inspiration from stories of resilience, creativity, and innovation. - Acquire Knowledge through targeted workshops and discussions designed to give you the tools and insights needed to navigate the world of startups and investments. 📅 Save the Date - When: May 11, Saturday - Where: Berkeley Haas Spieker Forum 🎙️Prepare for a day filled with enriching discussions, including: - Keynote Speeches by luminaries in entrepreneurship and investment. - Panel Discussions with VC leaders championing women in the field. - Panel Discussions with inspiring female startup founders. - Targeted Workshops designed to unlock funding opportunities for women-founded companies. 🌐 Let’s come together to support and amplify the voice of women in entrepreneurship and investment. See you at the Summit! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gyWPmwsS #femalefoundersandfunders #female #founders #funders #womenentrepreneurs #womeninvestors

The world doesn't always hand women the good stuff. Often, it's scraps, systemic barriers, and impossible expectations. We're told to "Do more with less." We must navigate funding gaps, outsmart gatekeepers, and smile through doubt. We don't just survive the system—we hack it. We multiply value in ways most haven't even imagined. Here's what we don't need: Feedback that sounds like a compliment but isn’t. Funders keep asking for proof when they should start giving resources. As a Curiosity Architect, I help women and underrepresented founders take what they've been given—no matter how small—and multiply it into impact. I know the power of women founders to transform scraps into empires, and I'm here to make sure they never play small again. Stop settling for crumbs. Stop "grateful" pitching; start audaciously asking. Turn rejection into redirection. Take "no" as an opening, not an ending. ✨Curiosity Compass Tips (pick one or both) Write down one ask you’ve been scared to make. Then, make it by December 31st. Write down what you've been given and how you're about to multiply it. Now ask: "What's my first move to multiply it?" What's the scrap you're turning into greatness in 2025? Samantha Katz Jennifer Iannolo SoVonna Day-Goins Sharonda Davis RN, BSN #womenfounders #curiosityarchitect #startup #leadership #innovation #entrepreneurship

November is National Entrepreneurship Month! 🎯 As an entrepreneur, I'm excited to share another edition of my #AIinAction calendar during National Entrepreneurship Month. This month, we’ll feature practical AI tips curated explicitly for women entrepreneurs building, scaling, and transforming their businesses. From leveraging AI for global reach to maintaining authentic leadership while building business relationships, these daily insights blend technology innovation with entrepreneurial wisdom. Save and share this calendar with the women entrepreneurs in your network. #WomenInBusiness #AI #WomenEntrepreneurs #NationalEntrepreneurshipMonth #WomenOwnedBusiness #NAWBO #WBENC #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #WomenInAI #AIStrategy #AIinAction CC: WBENC, NAWBO National National Women's Business Council, Association of Women's Business Centers, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA), Women in Revenue, SheEO™ , Women Business Collaborative, Center for Women & Enterprise, The Commonwealth Institute, NUCEE

Calling All Female Executives And Entrepreneurs! Are you ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level? Join us for our highly acclaimed 8-week intensive series designed exclusively for dynamic women leaders like you. Our intensive series is tailored to entrepreneurs who crave a collaborative space to exchange experiences, share stories, and dive deep into best practices and strategies for propelling their businesses forward. Each week, immerse yourself in a meeting of the minds as we explore the keys to maintaining an upward trajectory in your professional endeavors. What can you expect from this transformative experience? Insightful Exchanges: Connect with fellow female executives who understand the challenges and triumphs of the entrepreneurial journey. Share your experiences, gain fresh perspectives, and forge invaluable connections. Stories of Triumph and Tribulation: Hear firsthand from those who have navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Learn from their successes and setbacks as they offer candid insights into their professional climbs. Best Practices and Strategies: Dive into proven strategies and best practices for sustaining momentum and driving growth in your business. Discover innovative approaches to staying motivated, keeping pace with industry shifts, and fostering a resilient mindset. The Power of Community: Experience the transformative power of having a supportive community by your side. Cultivate relationships with like-minded women who inspire, challenge, and uplift you on your entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to elevate your business and yourself. Join us for eight weeks of inspiration, empowerment, and actionable insights that will propel you toward success. Spots are limited, so reserve your seat today and embark on this journey of growth and discovery with us. Together, let's redefine what it means to thrive as female executives in the business world. Ready to rise? Let's soar together! First session begins Thursday, September 5th https://lnkd.in/enerj9rx

The article "The Network Effect: How the Power of Community is Helping Women Entrepreneurs Around the World" highlights the significant impact of the Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) in supporting female founders globally. With over 100,000 members from 168 countries, DWEN empowers women to overcome challenges such as lack of funding, mentorship, and exposure. Our founder, Rutuja Udyawar, based in Pune, India, is interviewed in this piece. She left a high-paying job with international travel to start her own company, Optimum Data Analytics, which focuses on AI-based product development. Over the past four years, she has navigated challenges like securing continuous capital flow and lacking advisory support. Despite her R&D background, Rutuja faced a steep learning curve in sales, finance, and HR. She credits DWEN and Dell for providing essential support, including $30,000 worth of technology. Rutuja believes the key to success is consistency, persistence, and embracing risk. Read more about how this global network is driving change and empowering women entrepreneurs worldwide. https://lnkd.in/di2Brw-v #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #DWEN #Empowerment #Mentorship #TechForGood

As mentioned last week, female entrepreneurs still face challenges in raising capital compared to men. However, there are strategic steps women-owned businesses can take to attract more funding and thrive in today’s market. With fewer geographic limitations in the digital age, businesses can leverage virtual, hybrid, and remote capabilities to expand their reach, tapping into new customer groups who are genuinely interested and resonate with their mission. Additionally, focusing on community impact can be a powerful differentiator. Women-owned businesses should emphasise how they give back to their community or society, to align with the growing market interest in purpose-driven organisations. By sharing their meaningful contributions, these businesses can capture the attention of investors who prioritise social responsibility (which is increasing!) Let’s ensure that the incredible potential of female-driven entrepreneurship is fully realised, driving both business success and positive societal change. #femalefunding #womenownedbusiness #femaleentrepreneurship

Feeling stuck and ready for a change? 🚀 Sometimes, the biggest turning point comes from taking control and stepping into the unknown. I support burnout moms, embrace new opportunities and discover the world of digital entrepreneurship. Our supportive community offers a safe space to explore, grow, and thrive. What you'll find with me: ✅ Inspiring stories of transformation ✅ Practical steps to launch your digital business ✅ A network of like-minded women for support and collaboration ✅ Access to exclusive resources and events Ready to make your turning point? Join us and take the first step towards a more empowered and fulfilling future! 🌟 Discover more and connect with me today. 📲 Link in bio! #TurningPoint #DigitalEntrepreneurship #WomenEmpowered #Empowerment #TakeControl #BusinessJourney #SupportiveCommunity #WomenSupportingWomen #FromBurnoutToBoss #EntrepreneurLife #GrowthMindset #JoinUs

Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Today, we honor the creativity, resilience, and achievements of women entrepreneurs around the globe. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day serves as a reminder of the critical role women play in shaping economies, creating jobs, and inspiring innovation. Despite the challenges they often face—such as limited access to funding, resources, and mentorship—women entrepreneurs continue to break barriers and lead the way in industries from technology and fashion to agriculture and healthcare. Their contributions not only strengthen communities but also pave the way for future generations of women to dream big and achieve more. Let’s use this day to spotlight the women entrepreneurs in our lives, support their businesses, and advocate for systems that empower their growth. Whether through mentorship, investment, or simply amplifying their stories, every action counts. To all the trailblazers, innovators, and leaders—Happy Women’s Entrepreneurship Day! Your impact is profound, and the world is better for it. #WomensEntrepreneurshipDay #SupportWomenEntrepreneurs #EmpowerInnovation