There are a lot of podcasts on the scene, but this one provides tangible skill sets to get your company found and funded. The launch event, sponsored by Cee Smith Media Group, took place recently in Washington, D.C., at the Femme Fatale DC Pop Up where three promising startups pitched their companies to a panel of seasoned experts that included Harry Alford, co-founder of Humble Ventures; Ebony Pope, director of U.S. Ventures at Village Capital; and Liz Sara, angel investor and founder/president of Best Marketing LLC.
The evening was emceed by Shelly Bell, founder and CEO of Black Girl Vision and was full of excitement. The selected entrepreneurs, Sage Salvo of Words Liive, Janice Omadeke of The Mentor Method, and Jos Duncan of Love Now Media, pitched their businesses and got feedback on the spot. Amongst the group, Salvo and Omadeke will be featured on the podcast, allowing new listeners to hear their feedback. After the pitches, the entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to connect with the investors and each other to grow and extend their networks.
The podcast itself is hosted by Xina Eiland, president of X+PR Media Relations; Aurelia Flores, angel investor and managing member of Athena Digital Media Group; and Kristina Francis, angel investor and president of EsteemLogic. These ladies want to create visible paths for growth and opportunity for entrepreneurs by focusing on entrepreneurs who are statistically underrepresented in the startup ecosystem.
“Each episode introduces a new startup founder, their company, and their story,” Eiland told Black Enterprise. “The show co-hosts will focus on one key challenge facing the entrepreneur, a challenge that is common among startups.”
The road to launch has not been an easy feat. “Building this podcast has been a labor of love,” Flores mentioned in a statement. “We—Aurelia, Kristina, and Xina—have been prepping to launch this baby since August. It’s been a lot of work—and a lot of fun! Along the way, we’ve had the opportunity to interview some amazing entrepreneurs. We’re looking forward to meeting so many more.”
During each episode, the co-hosts will discuss the company’s challenge and unpack it by offering strategic advice and insight. Each episode will also feature a special guest expert relevant to the company’s challenge. This person will act as a mentor to help the entrepreneur navigate their issue.
For more information, visit getfoundgetfunded.com. The show officially airs Jan. 8, 2018.