Zoe Tanner’s Post

Diary of a Founder part 4: lived experience and learnings. Always a 5 min (ish) vlog on the hot takes over the last month (ish) Headlines to know whether it’s worth a watch: 1) Team transitions as you move from early start up to product release. Convincing experienced people to join the mission. 2) To co-found or not to co-found. Hotly debated, but not always the right timing 3) How the world economic landscape impacts the risk appetite of institutions (and how if you can sit with the uncertainty the upshot is less dilution for founders!) As someone living our compassionate values, one of the main pillars is around common human experience, so I share the learnings on the belief that it could be helpful for other founders as I know we’re facing the same challenges! Happy weekends!!

As a purpose-driven founder who specializes in supporting mission-driven and disruptive founders with making a difference in the world, it is incredibly important for me to maintain this ethos in all the ways-- personally, professionally, and even spiritually. If you consider yourself purpose-driven but feel that you are not living by this value as much as you want to, tune in for some tips!

Founders' journeys are a mosaic of relatable moments. The moment when you were faced with a problem you just knew you were meant to solve, that initial spark of inspiration, when you noticed that obvious gap in the market. The rigorous research and development, refining and shaping the initial idea into a viable product or service. The securing of funding, whether through bootstrapping, angel investors, grants, collaborations, or venture capital. The launching of the product or service into the market followed by the intense focus on customer acquisition and retention. The scaling of the business often involving expanding the team, entering new markets, and forging strategic partnerships. The growth, profitability or successful exit. All along the way, YOUR unique experiences, inevitable challenges, moments of luck and serendipity, marks the culmination of your unique Founder story. Ready to share YOUR Founder story? Contact me via DNA-Business over at www.dna.co.za or directly at [email protected]

At 1848 Ventures, backed by Westfield our best work comes from — and is made stronger by — collaboration and experimentation. We harness the power of insights and data to create better outcomes for our customers and our teams. When we face challenges, setbacks, and mistakes, we apply a growth mindset and grit to bounce back quickly and apply what we’ve learned. We rally and push forward with intention. Curiosity, data, and reflection guide us in the right direction with confidence and velocity.   The behaviors we expect: - We pursue curiosity to understand. - We experiment to learn. - We overcome setbacks and persevere. - We pause and reflect to accelerate.

Here are 3 big things I’ve learned as a first-time founder: ‣ It's going to be harder than you thought ‣ It's going to take way longer than you thought ‣ It's going to be the most rewarding thing you've ever done

At 1848 Ventures, we pursue curiosity to understand. We experiment to learn, and we overcome setbacks and persevere. We pause and reflect to accelerate. Hear directly from our storytellers how our Culture Catchphrase "Keep Going" comes to life. To learn more: https://insde.co/cfrs

Top 3 Things I Wish I Knew As A First Time Founder: 1. Separate my identity from the idea 2. Talk to as many customers as often as possible 3. Launch w/ an MVP, ASAP - collect feedback and iterate Founders, what are some other things you wish you had known?!

It's 3 AM, you're staring at your computer screen, wondering if you've made a huge mistake. Sound familiar? Welcome to the founder's life. I've been there, done that, and got the sleepless nights to prove it. But here's the thing – those struggles? They're your secret weapon. I'm about to share the hard-earned lessons that transformed my founder journey from a lonely uphill battle to a thrilling adventure. Ready to turn your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths? PS. sometimes I host private dinners for founders and CEOs. Want to be notified and invited? Add your name to this list - https://bit.ly/3yVXVPU

If you're a first-time founder, you've got an advantage over seasoned founders: you don't know. If you've never build a company before you don't know how much work goes into it. And that's great! If you have no reference point, then you build from a point of confidence and not fear. The chances of you beating the odds increase dramatically when you execute like that. And you end up doing things that your logical mind would have said no to

A founder's journey has its highs and lows. Some days feel like a relentless uphill climb, questioning if I'm doing enough or if I'm good enough. It's crucial to acknowledge those moments and reach out to someone—a mentor, a friend, or even a fellow founder. Today, when I felt stuck, I've found a fresh perspective by physically going to the same spot where my vision takes shape. It's okay not to feel okay, but it's equally important to seek support and rediscover your vision. #FounderJourney #KeepGoing