Funded & Fearless: Austin, TX
On Wednesday, October 15th, 150+ women gathered under the bright Texas skies and leaned into the audacity of possibility. At our Funded & Fearless Summit, we watched founders step into the tension of believing big while learning to harness tools that can feel at times both powerful and intimidating.
Our speakers didn’t sugarcoat the grind, but instead reminded us that fear isn’t a stop sign, it’s a signal to push forward. We left believing that every woman deserves to make a big ask, to find a “bulldog” who will go to bat for you every time, and to use technology as an amplifier of her vision, not a replacement for it.
Kim Roxie and Jill Peterson kicked off the night with bold honesty and contagious energy. Kim challenged us to ask ourselves, “Who told you that you couldn’t?” and urged every founder to have the audacity to believe that she can. She shared how she started small, hosting trunk shows to learn where her products belonged, and how she negotiated for pilot programs and regional placements before going national with her LAMIK Beauty products. Jill reminded us that pitching isn’t about begging for approval, it’s about proving value: “We’re going to make you more money if you bring us in.”
The OpenAI and Canva demos brought technology down to earth, showing how founders can use AI to simplify the hard stuff, from data analysis to creating landing page mockups. Yes, everyone has access to the same tools, but your story, voice, and brand set you apart. Research shows women adopt AI tools at lower rates than men, often due to fear of misuse or lack of confidence, but that hesitation comes at a cost. The founders who lean in now will be the ones leading the conversation later.
In the funding panel, Fréd Irwin, René Graham, and Karen Howland broke down the difference between debt and equity, and reminded us that women too often give up too much ownership too soon. Hang on to as much of your company as you can. Explore non-dilutive funding like grants, and build relationships with local banks and angel networks that open doors, not just checkbooks. They reminded us that every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes” and that an irrational belief in your product is sometimes exactly what it takes to keep going.
By the time Sarah Friar, Amanda Bradford closed the night, the energy in the room had shifted from inspiration to action. Sarah taught us that negotiation isn’t just about money. The more you put on the table to negotiate for, the more leverage you gain later. Amanda reminded us that profit doesn’t have to come at the cost of your soul, and that “Mr. Right Now” always beats “Mr. Perfect.”
And finally, Anna Collins left us with a truth we’ll carry for a long time: projects are temporary, but relationships are forever. Dig your well before you’re thirsty, and give before you need to get.
Key Takeaways
Have audacity, and make a big ask.
Recruit your bulldog, someone who will fight for you when your confidence wavers.
When you pitch, focus on what your potential funding partner gains, not just what you built.
Use AI as leverage, not a crutch. Let your voice, insight, and brand shine through.
Hold on to your equity early. Non-dilutive funding, like grants, are your best friend.
Go after grants, banks, and angel networks. Diversify your capital sources.
Expect rejection, it happens to every business owner, and let your conviction carry you through it.
Negotiate everything, from terms to timing to opportunity.
Relationships outlast projects. Build these before you need them.
“Right now” beats “perfect someday.” Done is better than perfect.
Resources from the OpenAI Demo
Speaker Jenny Sha shared the specific prompts she used in her demo. Click the links below to get access:
In addition, the OpenAI team encourages folks to check out the free resources in the OpenAI Academy for further skill building.
Event Recordings
Event recordings will be published on our YouTube channel within the next few weeks!
In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear about upcoming events, fresh resources, and new ways to grow your business fearlessly.