BONUS - EP3: Let's Fill the Stadium

One hundred thousand accredited women, each writing a $50,000 check, is $5 billion dollars. The Rose Bowl down the road from me holds ninety thousand people. We could fill it and change the system in an instant.In this third and final bonus episode of Season 2, I get into how founders navigate the system they were handed: non-dilutive funding, revenue before the raise, traction before the ask. I also make the case for one of the biggest unpulled levers in this ecosystem.Key Takeaways:Why proving revenue and traction before seeking for a venture check is a strong strategy.Why capital chasing mega later-stage AI deals is starving the early-stage pipeline, and potentially breaking the innovation flywheel on the way.Why we need to separate proving women can build businesses from closing the check.Why building strategic conviction is your secret sauce: know your customer better than anyone and stay flexible on how you raise.My Reflection + Challenge:Twelve conversations across Season 2 point to the same thing - the patterns and behaviors haven’t changed much, but our ability to flex new capital into the system is quite real. The question is what we’re doing about it and how quickly. If you're an accredited investor, write down the number you could put into venture this year.Find one other woman in your network and ask her to do the same.If you're fundraising, cut any milestone you're chasing only to prove yourself, not the business.The system was built this way. It moves when the capital moves. Go move some.Links and Resources:Listen to Corinne's episodeThis episode is supported by IM8 — one scoop with 90+ essentials, co-founded by Beckham with advisors from Mayo Clinic, NASA, and Yale. Use code TheFlex10 for 10% off: https://www.im8health.com/TheFlex10If you enjoyed this conversation, follow The Capital Flex, leave a rating, and share this episode with a founder who needs it.And if you’re looking for a more candid space to talk fundraising, power, and building inside systems not designed for you, stay close. The conversation continues.Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Business Solutions.