By Kim Rittberg September 04, 2023 In the hospital, at a bar, in a Bronx elementary school: that’s where the “aha moment” happened for these founders who made massive career pivots. The delivery room was the backdrop to my ‘aha moment.’ As I looked down at my vibrating iPhone, just inches away from my … Continue reading 3 successful founders on the aha moment that led to their career pivot
By Elizabeth Segran June 19, 2023 A decade ago, Aurora James, founder of the luxury shoe label Brother Vellies, was eager to grow her nascent business. She needed a cash infusion to expand production and create a more robust website. But as a Black woman, it wasn’t easy to secure funds. James wasn’t … Continue reading Fifteen Percent Pledge founder launches a fund for Black founders
By James Vincent October 19, 2022 Times are tough, headwinds are strong, and uncertainties lie ahead. The economic climate is shifting in real time and will continue to shift in the coming weeks and months. But what hasn’t shifted—and won’t ever—is the need for innovation, and the role that intentional narrative plays in business … Continue reading 5 timeless lessons about innovation from some of the most successful founders
By James Vincent August 27, 2022 What lessons do you learn when you’ve been in the room, day in and day out, working with over a hundred transformative founders, helping them build the narratives for their companies? Since we started FNDR five years ago, my partners and I have … Continue reading 10 lessons about innovation from working with 126 founders
By Porter Braswell August 09, 2022 Did you ever have to write a letter to your younger self at school? It’s a humbling feeling to look back and wonder what you wish you could have communicated to your past self. As I develop my next venture, 2045 Studio, I realize how much more I … Continue reading Black founders only receive 1.4% VC funds—here’s how to change that
By Judah Taub July 05, 2022 “A rising tide lifts all boats,” as the phrase goes. But perhaps more importantly, it also hides any jagged rocks. Over the last few years, many of those sharp rocks in the startup ecosystem have been covered by the rising tide of mammoth investment sums and grossly inflated … Continue reading Why founders need to think hard about where their money is coming from
Elliot Begoun August 11, 2021 I wanted to revisit this article as I feel it is needed in this moment in time. Please reach out to me with your thoughts and experiences. I am going to share a secret. I am not great at dealing with unknowns. I struggle with “what-ifs”, I’m relatively risk-averse, and … Continue reading Founders Don’t Get Ducks, Just Crazy Roosters
Steven Imke July 18, 2021 So, you want an angel investor or even a family member or friend to consider investing in your business. To get any investor interested in your business, you have to think like a value investor. A value investor looks to invest in a company that has the potential to provide … Continue reading Why Founders Must Acknowledge the Value Investor Mindset
Elliot Begoun April 14, 2021 Canva.com A founder of an emerging natural products brand faces fierce headwinds. It’s not easy to take an idea, commercialize it, and then successfully shepherd it into the carts and stomachs of American consumers. Brands fail. In fact, failure is the most frequent outcome. I am not trying to be … Continue reading The Unexplored Reasons Founders Fail
Elliot Begoun March 29, 2021 Canva.com There are times that call for tough love and this is one of them. As a founder of a food and beverage brand, you have chosen a hard and rocky path. You’ll hit a lot of walls, hear a lot of “no’s” and are certain to find things moving … Continue reading Founders Need to Own Their Success
