Episode Description:

In today's episode of #WisdomOfWomen, Coco Sellman sits down with Melissa Wallace, the pioneering entrepreneur behind Fierce Foundry.

What You'll Gain By Listening In:

Melissa, with over 25 years in consumer, B2B, D2C, and creative agency sectors, shares invaluable insights on bridging the funding gap for women founders through a unique venture studio model. Listeners will gain practical advice and strategic insights on navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship and investment.

Takeaways:

• Fierce Foundry aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing the funding gap they face in business.
• Melissa Wallace emphasizes the importance of combining capital investment with expert services for startup success.
• The studio model provides a supportive ecosystem, increasing the chances of success for women-led startups.
• Building a successful venture requires understanding the customer and tailoring products to their needs.
• Melissa recommends Carrie Kirpin's book 'Work It' as a significant source of inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
• The stages of development for startups at Fierce Foundry include ideation, product marketing, fundraising, and growth.

Chapters:

00:08 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

04:55 Fierce Foundry: Empowering Women Founders

13:24 Focusing on Femtech: A New Era for Female Founders

19:39 Stages of Growth in Femtech

26:05 Understanding Customer Engagement

29:59 The Importance of Founding Teams in Startups

37:51 Transforming Fear into Excitement

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1.How does Fierce Foundry differentiate itself from traditional venture accelerators?

• Introduction to Fierce Foundry’s unique venture studio model.
• The comprehensive support system offered from ideation to growth.

2.What inspired the creation of Fierce Foundry?

• Melissa’s journey from marketing expert to empowering female entrepreneurs.
• The vision behind focusing on Femtech and supporting women-led startups.

3.What types of ventures or companies does Fierce Foundry invest in or partner with?

• Focus on innovative products like AI tools for dementia care and investment tools for women.
• The strategic importance of Femtech and the potential for high-impact returns.

4.How does Fierce Foundry support founders through different stages of their business?

• Detailed breakdown of the four stages of founder development: Ideation, Marketing, Fundraising, and Growth.
• The role of customer engagement and avoiding common pitfalls.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

• Melissa Wallace: "Turning fear into excitement transforms the entrepreneurial journey into a thrilling adventure."
• Coco Sellman: "Empowering women in business isn’t just about funding; it’s about structuring success from the ground up."

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

This episode of #WisdomOfWomen not only highlights the innovative approaches of Fierce Foundry but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women entrepreneurs seeking to make significant impacts in their fields. Melissa Wallace’s expertise and the supportive ecosystem of Fierce Foundry provide a roadmap for success that many women founders will find invaluable.

OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahudsonwallace/

LinkedIn – Business: