Seasoned Women Founders Debunk Startup Myths: Experience as the New Advantage

The image of a accomplished startup founder often conjures visions of young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. However, a growing number of women are launching successful businesses after the age of 40, challenging this stereotype and proving that experience is a powerful asset.This article highlights the journeys of four such women: Joanna Strober, 56, founder of Midi Health; Julie Bornstein, 54, co-founder of Daydream; and Sara Schiller, 54, and Karen Robinovitz, 52, co-founders of Sloomoo Institute. These women are not exceptions; they are testaments to the power of resilience,market understanding,and years of accumulated professional knowledge.

Studies support this trend. A 2020 study revealed that the average age of U.S. founders behind the highest-growth new ventures is 45. Those in their 20s, frequently enough perceived as the quintessential startup founders, actually have the lowest likelihood of a successful exit. Moreover, companies founded by women frequently enough generate more revenue, despite receiving less investment than their male counterparts. The stories of Strober, Bornstein, Schiller, and Robinovitz underscore the unique advantages that come with age and experience in the entrepreneurial world.

Joanna Strober: Building a Virtual Care Clinic to Address a Personal Need

Joanna Strober, 56, is the founder of Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to women in midlife. Her inspiration arose from her own experiences with perimenopause symptoms. After finding relief through a San Francisco-based concierge doctor, Strober was driven to make similar care accessible to all women, nonetheless of their location or socioeconomic status.

Strober’s previous venture, Kurbo Health, which was sold to Weight Watchers in 2014, provided valuable insights that shaped her approach to Midi Health. Launched in 2021,Midi Health has secured more than $100 million in funding,with rounds led by Google Ventures and Emerson Collective. This significant investment demonstrates strong investor confidence in Strober’s vision and the potential of Midi Health to address a critical healthcare gap.

strober emphasizes the benefits of experience in her entrepreneurial journey:

“It’s been all advantages. It’s a great time to start a business. You’re smarter. You have more experience.I see no downsides.”

She further notes that years of building professional connections have been invaluable. “You have bigger networks and can solve big problems. And, as you get older, you understand what those big problems are and what the opportunities are to solve them.” Strober’s story highlights how personal experience, combined with professional expertise, can lead to the creation of impactful and successful businesses.

Julie Bornstein: Leveraging E-commerce Expertise for AI-Powered Shopping

Julie Bornstein, 54, co-founder of Daydream, an AI-powered shopping platform, has dedicated her career to enhancing the e-commerce experience. After her previous AI-powered shopping platform,The Yes,was acquired by Pinterest in 2022,and with the rise of ChatGPT,Bornstein saw the perfect prospect to create a fashion advice engine that leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

As the former COO of Stitch Fix,Bornstein brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new venture.Daydream has already raised more than $50 million in a seed funding round co-led by Forerunner Ventures and Index Ventures, highlighting the strong potential of her vision to revolutionize online shopping through personalized AI-driven recommendations.

Bornstein highlights the advantages of her extensive career in the e-commerce sector:

“The biggest benefit is having so much experience under my belt. I’m able to pattern match from all of the jobs I’ve had in the past.”

She also notes that her established reputation simplifies hiring and fundraising, and her experience allows her to effectively manage employees. Bornstein’s journey demonstrates how deep industry knowledge and a proven track record can be invaluable assets in the fast-paced world of technology startups.

Sara Schiller and Karen Robinovitz: finding joy in Slime and Building an Experiential Brand

Sara Schiller, 54, and Karen Robinovitz, 52, co-founders of Sloomoo Institute, turned personal tragedy and a shared love for slime into a thriving multi-city experiential brand. After supporting each other through difficult times, they discovered slime as a joyful “escape” and wanted to share that experience with others, creating a unique and engaging sensory experience for people of all ages.

Their combined experience in talent management and the event space helped them recognize the unique potential of their business. Building a company with such a strong emotional connection requires a level of vulnerability that they find easier to embrace in their 50s. Sloomoo Institute’s success demonstrates how passion, combined with business acumen, can lead to the creation of a truly unique and impactful brand.

Robinovitz emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts when building a business:

“Embrace your experience and trust your intuition. Do not entertain the doubters because you actually know. People said we were literally crazy. They were like, ‘What are you doing?’ And we were like, ‘We got this.'”

In 2022, Sloomoo Institute raised $5.8 million in a Series A funding round led by Nicole Shanahan with participation from Raptor Group. The company currently has five U.S. locations and plans to open four more next year, expanding its media “universe” of characters. Schiller and Robinovitz’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the importance of trusting one’s vision, even when others may doubt it.

The Advantages of Experience and Timing

These women also highlight the advantages of having more time and versatility as their families become more autonomous. Strober notes, “I can work all the time, and there’s no one who needs me to cook them dinner…The amount of free brain power is remarkable.” Bornstein echoes this sentiment, stating, “Now that my kids are in college, I have more time than ever to focus on work, and I’ve always loved my work. It’s kind of my hobby and also my passion.”

Moreover, launching a business after 40 frequently enough comes with a greater appetite for risk. Strober explains, “In many ways, you can take more risks than you could earlier in your career.” Bornstein adds that age brings increased confidence, stating, “I trust myself and my instincts. I’m a better leader and manager as I have more empathy and understanding of how to make organizations work well.”

Schiller and Robinovitz agree that they are less afraid to take risks now as they have already faced so many challenges. Schiller says, “it’s crazy that we [started a business based on slime]…And it’s [made possible by] a combination of tapping into our combined experience…and also tapping into fearlessness — as if it fails, we’re going to keep going.” Robinovitz adds, “If we do fall, we can brush ourselves off, get back up and go at it

Shattering Stereotypes: How Experienced Women Are Revolutionizing the Startup World

Did you know that the average age of founders behind the highest-growth new ventures is significantly older than commonly perceived? This challenges the prevailing image of the youthful,tech-savvy entrepreneur and opens up exciting opportunities for seasoned professionals.

Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Gender Studies

World-Today-News.com: Dr. Vance, your research focuses on the intersection of age, gender, and entrepreneurial success. Given the recent surge in successful women founders over 40, what key factors contribute to their achievements?

Dr. Vance: The success of women founders over 40 is multifaceted and reflects a powerful combination of factors. Firstly, years of accumulated experience proves invaluable.These women often possess deep industry knowledge, a robust professional network, and honed problem-solving skills acquired thru years of navigating diverse professional landscapes. This allows them to identify market opportunities, manage risks effectively, and build resilient business models. This is extremely relevant to topics like venture capital funding,where experience speaks volumes. Many studies show that this kind of established expertise significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining funding and achieving a successful exit.

World-Today-News.com: The article highlights the importance of resilience. Could you elaborate on how this trait plays out in the entrepreneurial journeys of women over 40?

Dr. Vance: Resilience is crucial at any stage of entrepreneurship, but for women over 40, it takes on additional significance. Thay often face unique challenges, including ageism biases within investment circles and the balancing act between career aspirations and familial responsibilities. Resilience translates to persistence, the ability to learn from setbacks, and the determination to adapt to changing market conditions. These women frequently enough draw on their past experiences to navigate hurdles,demonstrating a grit and tenacity that is frequently the key to long-term success in the dynamic world of startups. As an example, experience with previous ventures, even if those ventures failed, can give them a powerful advantage in later attempts. Those past failures are not seen as defeats but rather as meaningful learning experiences.

World-Today-News.com: The article mentions the advantages of established networks. How crucial are these networks in securing funding and navigating the startup ecosystem?

Dr. Vance: Networking is essential. These women haven’t just built professional relationships; they’ve cultivated deep,trusted connections over decades. This translates into easier access to mentorship, advice, and, critically, funding. Established networks can open doors to venture capitalists, angel investors, and strategic partners, offering crucial support throughout the startup lifecycle, in areas such as marketing and distribution. Their experience frequently enough lends weight and credibility to their proposals, making them more attractive to investors. they are not just asking for money, they are presenting a well-considered business model informed by their hard-earned experience and validated by their existing networks.

world-Today-News.com: Beyond professional networks,how do personal experiences and perspectives contribute to their entrepreneurial success?

Dr. Vance: personal experiences frequently fuel innovation. the founders highlighted in the article—Joanna Strober, Julie Bornstein, Sara Schiller, and Karen Robinovitz—demonstrate how personal needs and passions can drive the creation of meaningful businesses. Their life experiences provide a unique lens through which they view market opportunities,leading to the development of products and services that resonate deeply with their target audience. This authentic connection with their customers translates into stronger brand loyalty and overall market traction.

World-Today-news.com: What are some key takeaways for aspiring women entrepreneurs, regardless of age?

Dr. Vance:

Embrace your experience: Your past is an asset,not a liability.

Build a strong network: Nurture relationships across all areas of your life.

Cultivate resilience: Setbacks are certain; learning from mistakes is paramount.

Trust your intuition: Embrace your personal experiences and perspectives.

* Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks: Your extensive life experience allows for smarter, more informed risk-taking.

World-Today-News.com: what is the most significant message you want to leave our readers with?

Dr. Vance: the stereotype of the young, tech-savvy startup founder is outdated. The reality is that successful entrepreneurship thrives on a blend of experience, resilience, and a vision shaped by life experiences. women over 40 are proving that age is not a barrier, but rather, a significant advantage in the dynamic world of startups. Their success paves the way for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, proving that it’s time for old stereotypes to be reconsidered. Share your thoughts and experiences with us – let’s reshape the narrative around age and entrepreneurship.