I Grew My Company From $20K to Millions By Focusing on Instincts, Not Investors A breakdown of how to be flexible and make key strategic decisions in critical moments.
By Maria Hatzistefanis Edited by Mark Klekas
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With an MBA and years of finance experience under my belt, I felt ready to start my own business in 1999. I drafted — at least what I thought at the time — a perfect business plan for a skincare company that addressed a gap in the market. I expected offers to pour in from investors and venture capitalists (VCs).
However, after reaching out to 50 VCs, I received only 10 responses, landed two meetings, and secured zero investments. It was a shock — not just because of the lack of funding, but because I didn't get the validation that I was on the right path. I started to doubt myself. Had I made a huge mistake?
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