Entrepreneurship Guidance

That VC asked who was picking up my kids. So I started tracking every bias. 165 investor meetings. 73 inappropriate questions. I documented them all. The data will make you angry. Good. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: • 31 asked about childcare arrangements • 19 questioned my "work-life balance" • 14 asked if my husband was "okay with this" • 9 wondered how I'd handle travel with kids 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿: VCs who asked about my kids? 0% conversion. VCs who asked about unit economics? 23% conversion. Meeting #47: "How does your husband feel about you running the company?" Meeting #48: Pitched to his rival. Got a cheque. 𝗜 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱: -10 points for each personal question -20 points for childcare concerns -30 points for "husband" questions -50 points for suggesting I hire a male CEO The worst offender? -140 points. Still took the meeting. Still said no to their offer. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱: Bias is predictable. Track it. Your time has value. Protect it. Their questions reveal their thinking. You don't need their approval. The pattern is clear: Investors who focused on my personal life weren't serious about my business. 𝗦𝗼 𝗜 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Created pre-meeting filters Asked my own screening questions Walked out of 3 meetings (yes, really) Turned down two term sheets (painful but necessary) Only engaged high-conviction investors Your kids aren't a liability. They're watching you build empires. What's the worst bias you've faced in a pitch? #BiasInVC  #FemaleFounders  #FundraisingData

Global Grants for Indian Climate Startups- India’s climate solutions are rooted in local realities — but their impact goes far beyond. From watertech innovation in Karnataka, to bioplastics and recycling in Maharashtra, to sustainable fabrics in Gujarat. From agri-waste transformation in Punjab and Haryana, to offshore wind tech rising off Tamil Nadu’s coast, to climate-resilient innovations in Odisha and West Bengal, and air filtration breakthroughs in Uttar Pradesh — I’ve had the privilege of meeting the founders building them — makers, engineers, scientists, and storytellers who are quietly reshaping the future. Through Bharat Climate Startups, I’ve been traveling across India to learn from these ground-up solutions — and I’m constantly reminded that while the problems may be global, so are the solutions. If you're building something in this space, here are 5 international grants and programs that Indian startups can apply to 👇 🔹 1. GSMA Foundation Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience & Adaptation 💰 Up to £100,000 (~₹1 crore) in equity-free funding 📌 For digital climate solutions improving resilience in underserved communities 🌱 Open to startups in South Asia, Africa, and Indo-Pacific 🔹 2. The Earthshot Prize Prize 💰 £1 million (₹10+ crore) per winner 📌 For scalable solutions tackling nature loss, water, air quality, waste, or climate 🌱 Indian startups are eligible — and have been finalists! 🔹 3. Echoing Green Fellowship 💰 Seed funding + 2 years of support 📌 For early-stage climate and social entrepreneurs 🌱 Open to Indian founders with bold ideas and deep impact 🔹 4. ACT For Environment – by ACT Grants (India) 💰 ₹20–50 lakh in catalytic seed grants 📌 For climate innovations in green mobility, clean energy, agriculture, circularity, and carbon removal 🌱 One of the boldest Indian philanthropic funds backing frontier environmental solutions 🔹 5. Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance (by CPI) The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance 💰 Seed + pilot support + investor connections 📌 For ideas that unlock private finance for climate solutions 🌱 Several India-based innovations have already been selected 🔹 6. Imagine H2O Accelerator Program 💰 Non-dilutive funding + mentorship + access to a global investor network 📌 For startups working on water conservation, wastewater treatment, and climate resilience 🌱 Open to startups worldwide, including India 📩 Know someone working on a globally relevant climate solution? Or building one yourself? Message me if you want help navigating these grant calls — or just want to swap notes. Here's to building a vibrant support ecosystem for climate innovators! 💚 The world is watching — and India’s innovators are ready. 🌏 #ClimateAction #ImpactFunding #BharatClimateStartups #ClimateFinance

Venture funding can get a business started, but working capital keeps companies alive. In times of fluctuating federal funding and fleet-footed investors, climate founders need a reliable #workingcapital strategy to extend runway, scale smarter, and avoid unnecessary dilution. We go deep on these under-appreciated financing instruments and the when, what, and how to wield them in Sightline Climate (CTVC)‘s Working Capital Playbook. TLDR: 💳 Debt stabilizes cash flow. Credit lines, term loans & venture debt fund operations but require assets or revenue. 💡 Hybrid instruments bridge early gaps. SAFEs & convertible notes offer flexible funding without immediate dilution. 🏗️ Grants fuel deep tech. Government & catalytic capital de-risk FOAK projects and unlock follow-on investment. 🔄 Creative financing frees up cash. Factoring, revenue-based financing & invoice advances fund growth without equity. 🏛️ Policy & community capital add leverage. Green banks, philanthropy & state incentives provide non-dilutive funding. Nerd out on the full pros & cons analysis, self-assessment questionnaire, and case studies with Enduring Planet, DexMat, Thea Energy, HSBC Innovation Banking, Rondo Energy, and Breakthrough Energy in the report below 👇 https://lnkd.in/ettJuAGv

India’s climate tech boom has arrived and it’s the best time to get investors interested in your startup. If you’re building in climate tech, you already know the market is hot. India is scaling up renewable energy, agritech is driving promising breakthroughs, and sustainability is becoming an increasingly viable investment. Angel investors like Anupam Mittal, Nandan Nilekani, Rajan Anandan are backing bold, future-focused startups, while VCs like Blume Ventures and Avaana Capital are betting big on scalable, sustainable solutions. But knowing how to begin, where to secure capital, and how to utilise resources is what separates an idea from a funded project or venture. The money is there; the challenge is tapping into it, and it’ll take more than a pitch deck to get a check. Raising capital is about knowing where to look, who to approach, and how to position yourself. Here’s how you can go about it: 💡 Government grants (MNRE, DST, NABARD) are great for early R&D, but they come with paperwork and pilot project requirements. Get your proof of concept ready before you apply. 🚀 Incubators and accelerators (Villgro ,CIIE, Social Alpha) offer early-stage/ seed funding, mentorship, and access to investor networks. If you need strategic guidance and help with refining your business model, this is where you should be. 💰 Angel investors are looking for startups with traction. A working prototype, partnerships, or signed LOIs will get their attention. 📈 VCs invest in scalable solutions. They want to see market demand, execution strategy, and a team that can deliver. Startups that crack this code not only raise capital, they build momentum, move markets, shift mindsets, and turn ideas into impact. Funding is available. Opportunities are growing. Now’s the time to take your shot and get noticed. #climateaction #startup #climatetech #sustainability #VCs #grants #angelinvestors #funding

Most productivity advice is built on a male blueprint The 5 AM club, ice baths, back-to-back sprints… these work with the male 24-hour hormone cycle. But women’s bodies run on a ~28-day infradian rhythm, with four phases that change energy, focus, and creativity: • Menstrual → Reflection, rest, big-picture thinking • Follicular → Rising energy, creativity, brainstorming • Ovulatory → Peak confidence, communication, collaboration • Luteal → Detail work, planning, finishing projects When biological women follow hacks designed for men, we are often fighting our biology. When we sync with our cycle, we unlock more sustainable productivity and the science backs it (NIH, Harvard Health). Take it from someone who has made the switch and felt the powerful shift that comes with it 🤍. Cheers, Your cross-legged CAC, clarity and CLV buddy 🤗🐥

Exciting News for Insurtech Startups in India! 🇮🇳 The 'Bima Vahak Guidelines, 2023' introduced by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) are set to revolutionize the insurance landscape and create vast opportunities for insurtech businesses. ✅ Boosting Accessibility: These guidelines are all about extending insurance coverage to every corner of India, especially in rural areas. With a focus on women-centric distribution channels, the aim is to bridge the gap in insurance inclusion. This translates to an enormous untapped market for insurtech startups. ✅ Local Trust and Understanding: IRDAI's approach emphasizes identifying and developing local resources who understand the unique needs of their communities. This trust-based approach aligns perfectly with insurtech's customer-centric philosophy, allowing you to craft personalized solutions for local markets. 📊 Scope of Activities: Insurtech startups can benefit from Bima Vahaks' involvement in KYC processes, electronic policy issuance, and claims servicing. This means that insurtech platforms can seamlessly integrate with these distribution channels, offering convenient, tech-driven solutions. 💰 Premium Collection: With the introduction of electronic payment through handheld devices, premium collection becomes more transparent and efficient. Insurtech companies can collaborate to provide these tools and services, strengthening the overall ecosystem. 🛡️ Consumer Protection: Consumer protection is paramount in the guidelines. For insurtech startups, this aligns perfectly with the need for transparent, secure, and user-friendly platforms. Incorporate robust complaint handling and grievance resolution systems to build trust. 📅 Important Deadline: IRDAI mandates the deployment of Bima Vahaks in each gram panchayat by December 31, 2024. Insurtech startups should strategize to align their expansion plans with this timeline to seize the early-mover advantage. 🌟 Bima Vistaar: The launch of Bima Vistaar, an all-in-one standard insurance product, is expected to coincide with the implementation of Bima Vahak Guidelines. Insurtech companies should keep an eye on this opportunity to integrate their services with this new product. In conclusion, the 'Bima Vahak Guidelines, 2023' are a game-changer for insurtech startups. By facilitating wider insurance coverage, encouraging local trust, and emphasizing consumer protection, these guidelines create a fertile ground for insurtech innovation and expansion. Don't miss out on this transformative moment in the Indian insurance industry. Insurtech startups should embrace these guidelines as a roadmap for growth, innovation, and delivering inclusive and accessible insurance solutions to every Indian. #InsurtechIndia #BimaVahakGuidelines #Insurtech #InsuranceInclusion #IRDAI #BimaVahak #FinancialInclusion #WomenEmpowerment #InsuranceCoverage #IndianInsurance

Most entrepreneurs say they want balance. (But their schedules tell a different story.) If you’re running on fumes, this one’s for you: Here’s how I schedule my week to scale sustainably ⬇️ 1️⃣ Mondays & Fridays → Meeting-Free Zones I reserve these for: — Deep work that drives growth — CEO Planning (Mondays) — Self-care & recharging (Fridays) 2️⃣ Tuesdays–Thursdays → Power Meeting Days All client calls, team meetings, and collaborations happen here. Batching them helps me stay focused and efficient. 3️⃣ Quarterly Week Off → Reset & Recharge Every quarter, I take a week to rest. It keeps me creative and energized. 4️⃣ Morning Flow → No interruptions Mornings after school drop-offs are mine. No meetings before 10 AM or after 3:30 PM. This balance protects my energy for family and work. 5️⃣ Daily Lunch Break → Sacred time I never skip this. A nourished body = a productive mind. Intentional schedules aren’t about doing less. They’re about doing the right things at the right times. Your business thrives when you thrive. ➡️ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try this: — Dedicate 1 day a week to deep work. — Batch meetings into specific days. — Build rest into your calendar (and stick to it). Scaling your business without burning out starts with your calendar. Small changes → Big results. 💬 What’s one boundary you’ll set this week to create balance? Let’s inspire each other in the comments  ⬇️

It’s never too late to become an entrepreneur. Too often, the spotlight is on young rising stars, leaving behind those with decades of experience and wisdom. But here’s something most people don’t realise.... Entrepreneurs over 45 now account for up to a third of all new businesses. After selling HomeServe, many people told me it was time to 'retire and go walking'. But that’s not how I see it. I’ve got another 30 years left and want to work until the day I die! I’ve met countless people who have made the leap into entrepreneurship later in life. Some have always felt it was their destiny, while others discovered it after years of working for someone else. But what they all share is something often overlooked... Experience. They’ve built careers, formed lasting connections, and honed their skills. Now, instead of seeing age as a barrier, they’re using it to their advantage. They’re stepping into opportunities that align with their strengths, whether that’s reviving businesses that need fresh leadership or simply pursuing the ideas they've dreamed about for years. In a world where life expectancy is increasing and retirement feels further away, there’s no deadline on fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams. Experience is an asset, not a barrier. It’s never too late.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to join Kay Miller on her podcast, "Uncopyable Women in Sales," where I shared my journey from a 19-year corporate career to embracing entrepreneurship after 50. 🌟 In the latest episode, we explore the pivotal moment that sparked my transition, the strategies that helped me succeed, and actionable insights for anyone looking to make a similar leap. 🔹 Key Takeaways: Self-Assessment & Planning: Identify your passions and create a clear vision. Leverage Your Network: Reconnect with your professional contacts on LinkedIn. Continuous Learning: Invest in new skills and stay updated with industry trends. Build Your Personal Brand: Share your authentic story and engage with your audience. Overcome Challenges: Ensure financial stability, embrace failure as a learning experience, and maintain a work-life balance. Whether you're considering a career change or looking to reignite your passion, this episode is packed with valuable advice and real-world tools to help you succeed. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ggDz62xW And don't miss my newsletter for an expanded look at my journey and more tips on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. 📖 Read the newsletter below! Let's make those entrepreneurial dreams come true! 💪🌟 #Entrepreneurship #WomenInSales #CareerTransition #LinkedInMarketing #UncopyableWomen #Podcast

This woman built her brand from scratch. She’s not working for free, no matter how nicely you phrase it…. Stop asking female founders to work for free and calling it a ‘collaboration.’ 😏 Let’s talk about a growing problem. (One I’ve spoken about before.) Three leads landed in my inbox this week. All came dressed in the same tired disguise: ‘Collaboration.’ ‘Great visibility for you.’ ‘Massive value for your network.’ Translation? ‘Please can I access your time, credibility, audience, and PR reach… for free.’ Here’s the reality: I’ve spent years and serious capital building my network, brand, and impact. I’ve earned every relationship, media feature, and client result through relentless effort. So when you position free requests as ‘opportunities’ for me, it’s not just patronising, it’s disrespectful. Especially to female founders who have bootstrapped their businesses, self-funded their growth, and poured everything into building something of worth. This is not how you support women in business. It’s how you extract from them.😌 I say this with kindness and clarity: I don’t need more visibility. I don’t need to ‘build my profile.’ What I need is for people to stop expecting women to give away value while calling it a gift. (Then there are even those who’ve taken up my services, used my time, energy, and expertise… and never paid. But that’s a whole other post for another day.) We qualify every inbound request: – Do you have a budget? – Are you seeking a paid partnership? If not, we’re not available. You wouldn’t walk into Gucci and ask for shoes because ‘it’ll be great exposure for them.’ Same rules apply here. Respect the work. Respect the brand. Respect the boundary. The mind honestly boggles. I’ve spent years in meetings that led nowhere; giving away ideas, energy, and time to people who never intended to invest back. Let’s raise the standard. Let’s feed the ecosystem by respecting women who are building real businesses, real value, and real economic impact. Let’s be the change we wish to see. Thoughts please?