Hannah Bronfman: Navigating Investing with Purpose and Vision
Hannah Bronfman is a multi-faceted angel investor, women’s rights advocate, and content creator who has seamlessly blended her passions for beauty, wellness, and business. As the founder of Pres10 Ventures, Hannah has invested in over 60 companies, with a significant focus on supporting BIPOC and female-founded businesses. Her journey in angel investing is marked by her commitment to creating alignment between founders and investors, emphasizing the importance of shared vision and strategic growth.
Hannah’s impact extends beyond investing. She’s a vocal advocate for women’s reproductive rights and is deeply committed to addressing preventable maternal mortality. Her work in these areas has solidified her reputation as a leader who prioritizes purpose alongside profit.
Key Insights from Nancy’s Conversation with Hannah
In an interview on the Makers Mindset podcast, Hannah shares valuable lessons she’s gathered from her experience as an entrepreneur and an investor. Here are some of Nancy’s key takeaways from the conversation:
1. Creating Alignment with Investors
Hannah emphasizes the necessity of creating alignment between founders and their investors. She highlights that understanding your investor’s end goals is crucial for a successful partnership. This means being clear about what you aim to achieve, your approach to getting there, and the expected timeline.
“When you take on an investor, remember, they’re primarily looking for a return on their investment within a defined period.”
This often involves a clear path to an exit strategy, but Nancy also notes that not all investors are focused on an exit. Some might prefer lending capital for steady returns, making it essential to align your business goals with your investor’s expectations.
2. Choosing the Right Investor
Selecting the right investor is not just about securing the highest valuation. Hannah advises entrepreneurs to consider the qualitative factors—such as who can best elevate your business—over merely the quantitative aspects.
“Setting an overly ambitious valuation can place a lot of pressure on you and your team.”
Nancy explains that a high valuation increases the expectations for returns, which can force founders to make decisions that might not align with the long-term health of the business. Instead, finding the right partner who understands and supports your vision is key.
3. Embracing Change and Adaptability
Hannah discusses the importance of being adaptable as your business grows. She stresses that as your company evolves, so will its needs—requiring new strategies, people, or even a shift in business models.
“What brought your business to its current point won’t necessarily propel it forward.”
Embracing change, making tough decisions, and staying ahead of industry shifts are critical components of sustained success.
Hannah Bronfman’s journey in angel investing and working closely with founders offers dynamic insights for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her emphasis on strategic alignment, careful investor selection, and adaptability in business provides a roadmap for navigating the complex world of startups and investments.
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