Eric Koester

Women building tech — Here is a database of 1,208 investor resources with 545 supporting women and underrepresented founders! ➡️ Type: fund, accelerator, angel, etc ➡️ Filter by Women focused ➡️ Categorize by industry or vertical ➡️ Direct link to their website In my mission to bringing access to women building tech, cutting down time and money for them to find these resources is really critical. 💰Funds - are you missing from this list? Let me know so I can add you! 🔗 GET THE LIST in comments!! — Hi, I'm Nomiki, Founder & CEO of PDS Lab, a tech accelerator for women. I am on a mission to bring access to women building their first tech solutions through product training, education, resources, and community. Follow my journey as I disrupt the tech ecosystem by bringing ACCESS to women building tech.

17

8 Comments

Women's access to financial products that *they* want is central to some work that we have been doing over the last two years. One step in this direction was to continually reach out to and engage with the network of people and organisations who're curious about and/or working in this space because we didn't want to reinvent the wheel as well as help others avoid that too. So (in addition to a whole host of things), we started a newsletter series and continue to publish one every 3-4 months or so. Trisha Ghoshal drives this in her usual gentle giant ways. Today, this newsletter reaches more than 800 people. It is opened by 2 in 5 people against the industry standard of 2 in 10. While the current gender gap in the access to and adoption of financial services is massive, I am stoked knowing that folks out there are thinking about women's financial inclusion. If you are building women centric financial products or want to partner in this pursuit, let's chat.

64

5 Comments

Helping Andres, Gloria, Rachel, and WestRock Company find their perfect agency was smooth sailing. The biggest takeaway from this search has nothing to do with the search itself. It's about relationships and the long game. Many many moons ago, while working at an agency, my old pal Brenda got me in to Georgia-Pacific as a vendor, and eventually introduced me to Gloria, who eventually introduced me to Rachel. The circle of life if you will. This was all set into motion roughly a decade a go, maybe longer. You should...no -- you MUST play the long game with relationships. People do business with those that they like, know, trust. The older we all get and the more established in our careers we become, the bigger the stakes become. When the stakes are bigger, trust is even more important. Long term thinking > short term gain always and forever.

11

Supporting working mothers in the legal profession: Last week in Vail, Call Emmy facilitated top-quality childcare for all the judges in the State of Colorado attending a mandatory conference. The impact was profound. We heard repeatedly from mothers who, without our support, would have faced an impossible and inequitable choice between their professional duties and family. This is a dilemma no parent should encounter. This image captures the essence of our mission: a mother, radiating joy, holding her child. It represents the harmonious balance we aim to create between career and family life. At Call Emmy, we're driven by a passion to enable women to thrive in their careers while ensuring top-quality care for their children. By supporting these remarkable judges, we are contributing to a more inclusive and diverse legal community that benefits society as a whole. We're committed to fostering positive change. Working mothers shouldn't have to sacrifice their professional growth or miss vital networking opportunities. With the right support, they can - and will - continue to excel and inspire in their fields. Join us in celebrating and bolstering the working mothers who are making significant contributions to our legal profession. Together, we can create a world where childcare becomes a stepping stone to professional success, promoting inclusion and opportunity for all. Shoutout to our esteemed and amazing legal partners in Colorado: COLORADO WOMEN'S BAR ASSOCIATION CBA-CLE Colorado Judicial Branch #WorkingMoms #WomenInLaw #LegalProfessionals #WorkLifeBalance #ChildcareSolutions #DiversityInLaw #InclusiveWorkplace #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenSupportingWomen #CareerAndFamily #LegalConference #ParentsInLaw #WomenLeaders #FamilyFriendlyWorkplace

69

4 Comments

Annnnd we're live! This has been in the works for a while, and I'm so excited it's finally launching August 7th (sign-ups are active, sliding scale, and already rolling in!). We've designed the three-week Culture Catalyst program to directly reflect what we've been hearing from founders and VCs who support early-stage companies: The radically different workplace culture demands in today’s talent marketplace call for a new approach and new founding values. What's more, founders themselves — ESPECIALLY underrepresented founders — crave new cultures that don't result in burnout, toxicity, and turnover. We’re here to help you navigate this landscape with optimism, strategic foresight, and our signature values-based approach. I've also been told we're fun 😉 The program is virtual and composed of 4 sessions, two hours each. The 2024 schedule is: Wednesday August 7, 12-2pm EST Wednesday August 14, 12-2pm EST Tuesday August 20, 12-2pm EST Thursday August 22, 12-2pm EST I couldn’t be more proud of the work we've put into this program, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have on early-stage founders. If you or a founder you know wants to build to build a thriving, inclusive workplace culture, sign up! And please share widely.

7

I always love hearing how co-founders meet each other and start building something together. One of our portfolio companies, Oya Kitchens, has a great founding story: Co-founders Ashley Lockwood and Mark Newton met each other at Mark’s 30th birthday party. Ashley knew one of Mark’s friends, turned up at the door and asked if he could come in. They kept chatting but were in very different industries. Mark worked in music and events, founding well-known festivals like Hideout, and Ashley, having a background in sales, had already set up several eCommerce businesses. Oya originally decided to be a marketplace for short-term, commercial lets across all different types of property. They set up the company quite a while before they actually did anything and bounced some ideas around. Then Covid hit, and they both had more free time. Covid led to many empty kitchen spaces, chefs being out of work and delivery apps were soaring. The idea for Oya Kitchens was born– matching unused pub and commercial kitchens and dark kitchens with food brands. Now, Oya is a fully digitised marketplace for landlords and food brands/vendors– The UK's only property marketplace for the food industry. And Mark and Ashley’s experience compliment each other well. Ashley leads sales and Mark in strategy. Often when it goes wrong, co-founders have experience that is too similar which can lead to conflict of interest - but not with Oya. Their different skill sets have fit together to build out Oya. #entrepreneurship #founders #startups

59

6 Comments

Yesterday at the Flywheel conference, Elizabeth Scallon reminded us that the number one thing founders need is capital, and then more capital. Yet when it comes to early stage financing, women founders - especially women of color - still get table scraps. A few years ago in The FBomb Breakfast Club we looked around the room and realized we couldn't wait on the VC landscape to change (it won't). Instead, we decided to do a better job of tapping into each other for early funding -- the kind of money that enables women with promising business ideas to build and test. And that's how FBomb Angels was born. We've been quietly building space for women to learn about and gain practice angel investing - and we're ready to get loud about it. FBomb Angels is a community first and foremost - a sisterhood of sorts where we support each other in becoming kickass investors helping to build the companies we want to see in the world. If you've been curious about angel investing, but haven't known where to start... If you've dabbled already but haven't really found your place in the startup ecosystem... If you still feel like a novice and want to learn together with other women who believe rigor and values are not mutually exclusive, FBomb Angels might be the community for you. Want to know more? Join us online or over mimosas this spring and let's talk! https://lnkd.in/gbVCK9EW

60

4 Comments

I got this in the mail today... 👇 The "Angel Fund for Children"? Capital One is making me think... is this an untapped value proposition for Tundra Angels? Could this be a new tactic for investors looking to join Tundra Angels? Or when startups are looking at their different funding options... Or when co-investors of ours are looking at a mutual startup investment... I'll hit em' with, (*puppy dog face with emotionally stirring tone of voice*) "But... it's for the children." Venture capital won't know what hit it... 🤣 ----------------------- I drop weekly insights as an investor what I wish I could have read 10 years ago as a founder. Check it out here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eMiaUx7R

11

7 Comments

Tune in to hear me as a guest on The Strategy Hour Podcast with the incredible Abagail Pumphrey – a true trailblazer in the creative entrepreneurship space, whose work has been celebrated in Forbes, INC., and Marie Claire! ✨ We had an amazing conversation about ADHD and entrepreneurship, diving into how neurodiversity can spark creativity, resilience, and fresh approaches in the business world. I shared my own journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the strategies that have helped me thrive in my entrepreneurial path. 🚀 If you’re navigating ADHD, curious about turning challenges into superpowers, or just love learning from authentic, inspiring conversations, you don’t want to miss this episode! 🌟 Tune in at the link below #PodcastGuest #Entrepreneurship #ADHD #Creativebusiness

1

3 Comments

Lessons I’m learning as a founder: #02 💡 "I am allowed to take up space." As a founder, I've learned that stepping into a leadership role means embracing the power and responsibility that comes with it. It's about confidently taking up space, sharing your vision, and leading with purpose. In the early stages of my career, I often found myself holding back, hesitant to fully embrace my potential. Transitioning from roles in marketing and tech to founding my own agency has taught me the importance of shedding those reservations. Now, I see the value in owning my role and being unapologetically present in every aspect of my work. Taking up space isn't just about being seen or heard; it's about making meaningful contributions, advocating for your ideas, and driving your vision forward. It's about recognizing your worth and the unique value you bring to the table. Here are three key aspects of embracing your new role: 1️⃣ Confidence: Believe in your abilities and the value of your contributions. Confidence is contagious and inspires those around you. 2️⃣ Visibility: Make sure your voice is heard and your presence felt in meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes. 3️⃣ Purpose: Align your actions with your mission and vision, ensuring that every step you take is purposeful and impactful. Embracing my role as a founder has been transformative, allowing me to grow personally and professionally. It's a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, but the rewards of fully stepping into my role are immeasurable.🏆 Do you guys use affirmations to build your confidence? #takingupspace #leadership #entrepreneurship #growthmindset

13

2 Comments

This was such a great podcast. I'm always amazed by the powerful women in the tech and entrepreneurial space, and Charlotte N. is no exception. Having been fortunate enough to work under her leadership, I've witnessed firsthand how her deep roots in art, politics, and entrepreneurship have shaped her into a true powerhouse in the URM ecosystem. #startups #politics #entrepreneurship

28

4 Comments

We recently kicked off a search for a Program Director to join our Founder Success Team First Round Capital. Given I assume the right person for this role will already be in the startup ecosystem, I'd really love help getting the word out. Here is a bit of context: At First Round, we aspire to invest in founders who possess not just strengths, but areas of true genius, whether it’s technical skill, product intuition and/or domain expertise. But on the other side of every spike in talent are a few areas that are still underdeveloped, parts of the business where a founder doesn't have the skills and expertise — yet. The role of the Program Director on the Founder Success team is leading the ideation, curation, planning and execution of programs and events that fill in those gaps and help founders develop new, crucial competencies. More on the role and where to apply can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gPhhJD4U

235

17 Comments

Longtime CTO explains why managing across the organization with stakeholders is more important than managing down within your own team or organization. Listen to the full episode on the Technocratic podcast at https://lnkd.in/esfqzezX #leadership #cto #technocratic

1

🌟 New Blog Post Alert: A Journey from Imposter Syndrome to Purposeful Leadership 🌟 We’re thrilled to share a powerful story from one of our alumni, a military spouse who found her calling through facilitation. Kellie Artis's story is a must-read for anyone navigating transitions, leadership, or imposter syndrome. From nervousness in a room full of veterans to finding confidence and purpose through facilitation, this story highlights how intentional facilitation can create transformative spaces—spaces where vulnerability leads to growth and connection. 🔗 Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gPR5syRK Whether you’re in the military community, a facilitator, or a leader looking to create meaningful connections, there’s something valuable here for everyone. #Leadership #Facilitation #MilitarySpouse #Veterans #ImposterSyndrome #PurposefulLeadership

8

4 Comments

Feeling overwhelmed keeping up with the ever-changing tech landscape? In this episode of Tech People, my guest David Bowman, joins me to explore a trend reshaping how companies build tech teams: the rise of the Fractional CTO. As the tech world speeds up, companies are embracing flexible tech leadership to stay nimble and win. But what's a Fractional CTO, and why are they so popular? David, a veteran tech leader who transitioned to this unique role, uncovers the challenges and rewards of this path, exploring the true value they offer beyond just saving money. Whether you're a startup founder, a tech executive, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode is a must-listen! 🎙 https://lnkd.in/e4czYxPe #Technology #FractionalCTO #TechTrends #Innovation

69

6 Comments

Driving change in corporate boardrooms isn’t easy, but it’s work I feel deeply called to do. On The Leadership Dance podcast, I spoke with Alissa Hsu Lynch about my journey from leading teams at OpenTable and Ticketmaster to founding illumyn and illumyn Impact. These ventures focus on one goal: creating better boardrooms. In our conversation, I shared what I’ve learned about leadership, the importance of networking and mentorship, and why I believe every one of us has unique superpowers that can create impact. If you’re curious about boards, entrepreneurship, or how to turn your passion into purpose, I hope you’ll take a listen and share with others. Follow The Leadership Dance podcast on all podcast platforms: https://lnkd.in/gdFgxN7r #TheLeadershipDance #BoardDiversity #LeadershipJourney #Podcast

54

2 Comments

My take on #FounderMode – the term coined by Y Combinator’s Paul Graham: The black-and-white choice, between founder vs. manager, misses the nuances. The reality is that any business, nonprofit, or other entity for that matter demands leadership – the common denominator present in great founders and great large-scale operators. In my book, The Change Maker's Playbook: How to Seek, Seed and Scale Innovation in Any Company, Chapter 6 focuses on four leader’s priorities when the “green light moment” to scale arrives: 1. Providing clarity of purpose, vision, and shared values 2. Selecting the right people, and ensuring they are motivated and set up to deliver 3. Setting strategy - where you are heading from here, and how you envision getting there 4. Execution: Implementing in line with Purpose, Vision, Shared Values, and Strategy, being flexible as they are hit with inevitable surprises. Note: What worked with small numbers of customers requires a re-do of infrastructure, processes, capabilities, and skill sets to serve many more customers consistently and with excellence. Leadership surely benefits from many of the attributes that great founders bring to the party, but the best founders will learn, unlearn, and relearn when (and if) they arrive at their company's "green light moment” — just as the best enterprise operators adapt to the world’s new realities, and lead and implement accordingly. Graham’s assertions have generated significant conversation and some controversy, so I hope you will join in as I’d love to hear what you have to say on this topic. All opinions welcome. #changemaker #business #innovation #leadership #founder

12

1 Comment

I'm honestly sick. For way too long, I've been saying that black founders are getting less than 2% of VC dollars, which is crazy enough...it's actually less than .5%....If you're an investor of any kind that should make you sick. Technology/Companies/Products are built with the values of their creator embedded into the fabric of them, and it's obvious we're only valuing one set of values. This shouldn't be left to specific 'diversity funds'. Do better. #blackbuilders #blackentrepreneurs #venturecapital https://lnkd.in/gevtp6sT

28

2 Comments