Have you ever felt like a deer in headlights when an investor asked you a question you had no idea how to answer?

Our guest, Renata Merino, knows exactly how you feel, and she’s ready to help you deliver the best responses to investor questions!

A 25-year operator, former investment banker, and Chicago Booth MBA merit scholar, Renata is a Latina serial entrepreneur turned investor and venture capitalist.

She relishes in helping founders scale and has been featured in the media on women empowerment, diversity in venture, and the power of networking and building community.

A single mom of 2 children, you can often find Renata at an early morning 5AM HIIT workout or kicking off her early morning Instagram videos telling her story of overcoming adversity within her life.

To learn more about Renata's remarkable work in the world, visit: https://renatamerino.com/

To connect with Renata on social, click these links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatamerinobregstone/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RMB2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renatamerino45/
Blazing Babes: https://blazinbabes.org/

Grab a copy of The Stiletto Network here: https://amzn.to/3ndE4SI
Artyfactos: https://artyfactos.com
Scroobious: https://www.scroobious.com/
The Capital Network: https://thecapitalnetwork.org/fellowship-for-femalefounders/

11 Questions Founders Need to Ask Investors: https://www.startuphacks.vc/blog/2016/09/21/11-questions-founders-need-to-ask-investors-during-the-fist-meeting

00:00 - meet Renata Merino!
06:00 - Renata's origin story
12:00 - gaining large brand marketing/product management + development experience at fortune brands like: State Street, Reebok, Nestle, Life Fitness, Radio Flyer
20:00 - deep market research is your friend and the gift that keeps on giving!
21:35 - founders: always be reiterating
23:00 - the challenges women face when they are mothers wanting to be present with their children and they are pursuing a meaningful career ... and there's no flexibility in the workplace for them to do both.
25:25 - leverage your women networks to scale your startup - this strategy helped Renata meet the founder/innovator of Radio Flyer, and she was hired!
31:30 - how Renata came up with a business that she could do while the kids were sleeping - Andelicious Moment!
33:00 - women get it done because they have to - Stitch That On A Pillow!
39:10 - workout and dress for success every day - it's good for your mental health
42:20 - why Renata transitioned from founder to investor
44:10 - raising captial? Do your research! Renata shares an outstanding example of getting an investor's attention via a cold LinkedIn approach.
48:20 - you need to have shared values with the folks on your cap table
51:55 - best advice for handling handling tough investor feedback
1:01:01 - how can founders meet investors
1:02:10 - excellent advice re: equity for Advisory Board Members
1:04:00 - how to get beta test feedback when your product is not yet FDA approved.
1:08:33 - the BEST response to give an investor when they say no.

Thank you for carving out time to improve your Founder Game - when you do better, your business will do better - cheers!

Ande ♥

Ande Lyons
http://andelyons.com

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