““You're not trying to convert the skeptics, you're looking for the believers.” - Katie Shea
Raising capital can feel like the ultimate courtship process and Katie Shea has all the tea on making your business the belle of the ball every fundraising season. Before having an investment portfolio valued at over 6 Billion USD, Katie started her career by co-founding a manufacturing company from her NYU dorm room, that went on to have best-selling brands at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and even more global retail locations. Now Katie is the Founder and General Partner of Divergent Capital, a $30 Million early-stage venture fund. If you ask Katie, she feels like the entrepreneurial impulse has to be in her blood because trusting her instincts while building these ecosystems through VC and angel investing has been one of her greatest assets. In today's episode, we sit down with Katie Shea to discuss her incredible Founder’s journey and what she believes every Entreprenista looking to raise capital or build a more scalable business should know. She shares what VCs are currently looking for founders, the importance of effective communication, the benefits of co-founding from an investor's perspective, hitting profitability faster, keeping your circle of champion investors excited about your business, and more!
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Guests
Katie Shea
General Partner of Divergent Capital
Hosts
Stephanie Cartin
Stephanie Cartin is a serial entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, community builder, and a champion for women founders. She created the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, to provide resources and support necessary at all business stages. She’s also the Co-founder of Socialfly, one of the first social media marketing agencies, as well as Entreprenista Media and Pearl Influential Capital which was recently acquired by Cherub. Stephanie has shared her journey managing her health challenges with Multiple Sclerosis, Infertility, and a complicated pregnancy and is an advocate for women going through similar challenges. Her story and businesses have been featured on the Today Show, Bloomberg and Forbes. Consider Stephanie your biggest business cheerleader.
Courtney Spritzer
Courtney Spritzer is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, and advocate for women founders. As Co-Founder and CEO of Socialfly, a social-first digital agency launched in 2012 and acquired in 2024, she has helped shape the industry with innovative strategies. She co-founded the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, offering essential resources and support for all stages of business growth. Courtney’s entrepreneurial journey and business insights have been highlighted in top publications like Entrepreneur.com, Bloomberg, and Forbes.
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