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July 1, 2025 64 mins
In this episode of Inside the Round, Helena Fogarty speaks with Natalie Schneider, founder of Fort Health, about her journey in the startup world, particularly in the mental health sector. They discuss the challenges of fundraising, the importance of understanding VC funding, and the unique hurdles faced by female founders. Natalie shares insights on building a strong team, preparing for fundraising, and maintaining personal well-being as a founder. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of startups and the critical need for resilience in the face of challenges.

Takeaways
  • VC funding is not the only option for startups.
  • Female founders face unique challenges in fundraising.
  • Building a strong team is crucial for success.
  • Networking and relationships are key in fundraising.
  • Understanding the fundraising process is essential for founders.
  • Maintaining personal well-being is vital for founders.
  • The startup landscape is evolving with new challenges.
  • Investors are looking for capital efficiency and profitability.
  • Bias in funding decisions affects female founders significantly.
  • Resilience is necessary for navigating the startup journey.

Chapters:
00:00 Understanding VC Funding and Its Alternatives
03:02 The Birth of Ford Health and Its Mission
05:59 Navigating the Startup Landscape: Trends and Challenges
08:56 The VC Funding Dilemma: Is It Right for You?
11:40 The Importance of Team and Support in Fundraising
14:47 Preparing for Fundraising: Strategies and Resources
18:03 The Role of Female Founders in the Startup Ecosystem
20:48 The Impact of Bias in Funding Decisions
24:08 Building Relationships and Networking for Success
26:51 The Fundraising Process: From Preparation to Closing
29:53 Managing Investor Relations and Expectations
32:41 Maintaining Personal Well-being as a Founder
36:06 Lessons Learned from the Fundraising Journey
38:50 The Future of Startups and the Importance of Resilience


Find Natalie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieschneider/ 

Follow us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o 

To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/ 
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