It’s hard to start a business. Full stop.
It’s even harder if you’re a woman.
That’s why I’m writing this blog. I will share all of the nitty-gritty details of how to start a startup as a woman. Whether you’re an aspiring female founder, a female executive facing similar challenges, or an ally who wants to understand and support your colleagues, this blog is for you.
Together, we’ll explore the many challenges that all founders experience. We’ll also focus on the less-talked about challenges faced by many female founders. Throughout each post, I’ll share my strategies for overcoming these obstacles. While it’s never easy to start a startup, my goal is to let you learn from my experiences with the hope that you’ll have an easier path than me.
These are the challenges that I have faced in the nearly two years since we started CREx. As a precursor to the stories that will follow, let’s briefly talk about each of the female-specific ones. I promise to share how I overcame them later.
Getting Shafted on Funding
You may have read that women receive less than 2% of all venture funding. Many of my male founder colleagues receive millions of dollars in funding before they even have a viable product. Instead, most women need traction and some product-market fit before we could dream of raising that amount of capital (without giving up half the business). And even if we have that, many investors focus on ancillary things, like “You need a better name for the company” or “I think your brand colors are too bright.” Alas, our problems extend far beyond raising capital.
Cofounder or Investor Tries to Sleep with You
In my case, this was the same individual. Some women, such as Whitney Wolfe Herd, may have a relationship with their cofounder that falls apart. Then, discrimination ensues.
*My current cofounder, Vimal Vachhani, is an incredible human and ally. I had this experience while starting a previous company.
Former Employer Tries to Claim They Own Your IP
Many of my male founder friends have former bosses who so strongly supported their business idea, they invested. That didn’t happen to me. And once again, it didn’t happen to Whitney Wolfe Herd either.
Dressing Appropriately
You may be thinking, “Why is this on the list?” Well, I put it on here because I guarantee that none of my male founders have ever had to second-guess their outfits like I have. Should I wear a blazer and slacks or jeans and a jacket? Sneakers or heels? Can I wear fitted pants or will I be sexualized? And oh boy, did I learn the hard way NOT to wear a dress on a conference panel. Keep those legs crossed, Jen!
Prospective Customers Only Want to Speak with the “Boss”, Your Male Cofounder
For some reason, I thought that the letters “CEO” on my title would magically grant me respect. They don’t.
Now, if you are an aspiring female founder, please – don’t let this list scare you away. Instead, let it motivate you. The only way that we even the playing field is by normalizing our existence as successful founders. Let’s do this. Together.
Keep reading to learn more pro tips on how to start a startup as a woman. You’ve got this!
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