Are you eager to kickstart your own business but feeling a bit lost on where to begin? You’re not alone! Many new entrepreneurs face uncertainty at the start of their journey.
To provide some guidance, 1337 Ventures brought together panel discussion with women founders who are three accomplished female entrepreneurs to share their experience in launching and growing a startup.
Led by renowned Malaysian author and broadcast journalist Freda Liu, our virtual panel featured:
- Nadia Ismadi, co-founder of Pod
- Parmeet, founder of Joyed Consulting
- Anabelle Co-Martinent, co-founder of La Juiceria Superfoods
This panel discussion is part of the first-ever Alpha Startups™ for Women Pre-Accelerator.
It covers everything you need to know as an aspiring startup founder, from fundraising to the importance of mentorship.
Here are the key takeaways from the session:
The time to start your startup is now
“I just knew that if I did not do it, then I will never do it” – Parmeet
There’s no ‘perfect’ moment or ideal age to begin. Take the initiative and trust that you’ll find your way. While diving into entrepreneurship, consider the support system that will help you overcome initial challenges. Reflect on your readiness, asking, “What contingency plan do I have in place?”
Purpose as a motivator
“The impact we have created for people excites me” – Nadia
Whether it’s being a mom, wanting to make an impact, or being naturally curious, having a clear purpose is a strong motivator for launching a startup. When you build your startup around a purpose, it aligns with your values and goals, making the process more fulfilling and motivating. By letting your purpose guide you, you can create a successful startup that is personally rewarding.
Find a co-founder who shares your vision
“Our values and visions are similar and that has kept us together” – Parmeet
Finding a co-founder who shares your goals is essential. As you navigate the entrepreneurial journey, speak with as many individuals as you can. A co-founder can make or break a business, especially in the early days of being a startup.
Be persistent and adaptable in fundraising
“When you’re all in and passionate, the right people will jump on board to back your dream.” – Anabelle
There’s no one-size-fits-all in the startup world. Whether you’re bootstrapping or seeking funds from venture capital or angel investors, if you’re the biggest cheerleader for your idea, the right people will come along to fuel your startup dream.
Learn from others
“I wish I joined an accelerator programme 10 years ago” – Anabelle
Seek guidance from mentors, whether through accelerator programmes, books, podcasts, or casual conversations. Learning from those who have been through it is invaluable. Some of the best mentoring moments can happen over a casual coffee or meal.
Cultivate a growth mindset
“Having a strong mindset helps” – Parmeet
A growth mindset is about learning and applying new skills. It is the belief that skills can be developed and improved through hard work, dedication, and persistence. Approach challenges with a growth mindset. See setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
You can watch the full panel discussion here:
Are you an aspiring female entrepreneur who is unsure of what to do next?
If you’re an aspiring woman entrepreneur or part of a women-led startup, apply now to the Alpha Startups™ for Women Pre-Accelerator. The registration closes on 19 February 2024. The programme is for:
- Those who has a startup idea but need help refining it
- Those who need validation and feedback from industry experts
- Those who needs mentorship to overcome challenges and reach their goals
- Those who are seeking networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and customers
- Those who require seed funding to launch and grow your startup
Hear successful entrepreneurs share their stories
Tune in to 1337 Ventures’ Startup Stories webinars, where successful entrepreneurs share their journeys. Don’t miss out on our upcoming sessions:
