The Founder’s Journey: Building Boldly as Women – A Night of Insight, Inspiration, and Intention

Last week, we gathered at the beautiful Lingua Franca townhouse in the West Village for an unforgettable evening of conversation, community, and candor. As part of our Capital Access Communities live event series, The Founder’s Journey: Building Boldly as Women brought together a powerful room of founders, investors, and supporters to hear from three brilliant women shaping the future of entrepreneurship and venture capital.

Our panel featured:

• Kimberly Bizu, Founder & Host of Rich Little Broke Girls and Rich Little Reads

• Amira Rasool, CEO & Founder of The Folklore

• Layla Alexander, Investor at Female Founders Fund

Together, they offered a masterclass in building boldly—sharing the realities of raising capital, navigating growth, and remaining deeply rooted in purpose and authenticity. Their stories resonated across the room, reminding us that there is no one path to success—only the one you carve for yourself.

Here are four key takeaways that left the room buzzing:

1. Growth Requires Flexibility: Pivot When You Need To

Growth isn’t always linear—and that’s okay. Both Kimberly and Amira spoke to the importance of listening to your audience, the market, and your own instincts. Whether it’s refining your offering or shifting your business model, successful founders aren’t afraid to make bold adjustments to move forward. Evolution is part of the journey.

2. Leverage Investor Relationships—With Discernment

While investor relationships can open doors and offer guidance, the panelists emphasized the importance of discernment. Not every piece of advice will serve your vision. Founders must learn to filter feedback, stay grounded in their mission, and maintain clarity on who they’re building for.

3. Self-Fund Strategically—Venture Capital Isn’t the Only Path

The panel reinforced a message we don’t hear often enough: not every business needs venture capital. Founders were encouraged to self-fund for as long as possible, if feasible, and pursue outside capital only when it aligns with their long-term goals and growth strategy. Ownership matters, and raising money shouldn’t come at the cost of your vision.

4. Know What Investors Are Looking For

Layla Alexander provided invaluable insight into what early-stage investors look for during pitch meetings and diligence:

• The team — Are they credible, coachable, and committed?

• The market — Is it large and growing, with real demand?

• Execution history — Can the founder do what they say they will, based on past actions and outcomes?

• And most importantly: Does this team have the right mix of experience and drive to navigate what’s ahead?

As the evening came to a close, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a panel—it was a reminder of the power of community, the brilliance of Black women in venture, and the importance of building with both vision and intention.

To our speakers, guests, and partners—thank you for making the night unforgettable. And to the founders continuing to build boldly: keep going. We see you.