Episode Summary:In this episode of Unfunded, host Joan Westenberg delves into a conversation with Sheree Rubinstein, the founder of One Roof. Sheree shares her journey from corporate law to founding a co-working space dedicated to women-led businesses and the subsequent pivot to a digital business membership platform post-Covid. The episode explores the challenges, successes, and insights gained from bootstrapping, fundraising, and making difficult decisions as a founder.Sheree's experience exemplifies the importance of adaptability, community building, and resilience in navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Listeners are treated to a candid discussion on the trials and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways:Sheree's innovative approach to testing the concept of a co-working space through pop-up locations and the pivot to a digital membership platform post-Covid demonstrates the power of adaptability in entrepreneurship.Building strong community relationships and fostering collaborations have been instrumental in the growth and success of One Roof, highlighting the significance of networking and community engagement in business development.The decision to return capital to investors during challenging times showcases Sheree's commitment to the long-term sustainability and growth of the business, emphasizing the value of honest and transparent leadership.Embracing a sales mentality and being actively involved in sales efforts as a founder is essential for building relationships, exploring new opportunities, and driving revenue growth.Sheree's focus on creating an "elephant business" centred on sustainable, steady growth, and profitability over a "unicorn" startup model underscores the importance of building a resilient and long-lasting business foundation.Notable Quotes:"Entrepreneurship is an incredible pathway for women to create their own workplaces, build businesses on their terms, and address diverse needs." - Sheree Rubinstein"Building an elephant business works well for me. It's about sustainable growth and profitability, not just being the best in the industry." - Sheree Rubinstein"Every business decision I've made comes from seeking advice and feedback from those around me. Building relationships is crucial." - Sheree RubinsteinResources:One Roof Website: OneroofKate Kendall's Profile: LinkedIn - Kate Kendall

Episode Summary:In this episode, Joan Westenberg interviews Lucy Lloyd, co-founder of Mentorloop, to delve into Lucy's entrepreneurial journey of building a successful startup. The conversation touches upon the inspiration behind founding Mentorloop, navigating the decision-making process around VC funding, and ultimately opting for a self-funded path. Lucy shares valuable insights on the challenges and pressures of VC funding, the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with investors, and the shift in focus towards building a sustainable business rather than solely aiming for an exit strategy.Key themes discussed include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on startup strategies, the significance of mentorship in the entrepreneurial journey, and the balance between running a startup and building a company. Lucy emphasises the value of seeking external validation, navigating funding options, and the need to ask for help and advice along the entrepreneurial path.Key Takeaways:Founders should carefully evaluate the funding landscape and consider various options before deciding on VC funding.Building a business should prioritise authenticity and align with core values rather than solely aiming for an exit strategy.Seeking mentorship and advice from experienced founders can provide valuable insights and guidance.Maintaining a balance between growth and profitability is crucial in sustaining a startup over the long term.Embracing a lean and strategic approach can help startups thrive while navigating the challenges of building a sustainable business.Notable Quotes:"VCs play a vital role in connecting founders and providing valuable insights based on market trends and industry patterns.""The beauty of content strategy lies in its ability to attract customers organically and maintain a strong online presence.""Authentic connections and human relationships are central to the success of mentoring platforms like Mentorloop."Resources:Mentorloop Website

Welcome to Unfunded, a show dedicated to telling the stories of founders who build impactful and independent businesses without relying on venture capital or external funding. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, a seasoned journalist and tech writer with over a decade of experience, the podcast delves into the human stories behind tech, economics, and business.Unfunded celebrates the DIY ethos and the determination of founders who launch and grow their businesses on their own terms. Each episode features interviews with successful founders who share their journeys of navigating startup growth, creating innovative products, finding target customers, and achieving profitability without external funding.As part of Day One, the podcast network that highlights real startup stories, Unfunded aims to inspire founders, operators, and investors. Tune in to learn how to build a self-funded company and gain insights from those who have successfully forged their own paths.