Gillian Muessig: From Co-founding Moz to Funding the Women Venture Capital Ignores

Connect with Carmen SederinoWebsite: illuminatedstory.comLinkedIn: Carmen SederinoYouTube: Illuminated StoryInstagram: @illuminatedstoryFree Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote MasterclassConnect with Gillian MuessigWebsite: masters.vcLinkedIn: Gillian MuessigPodcast: VC ConfidentialGillian Muessig: From Co-founding Moz to Funding the Women Venture Capital IgnoresEpisode DescriptionCarmen Sederino sits down with Gillian Muessig, co-founder of Moz, Managing Director of the Mastersfund, and a global speaker and investor who has helped thousands of companies launch and grow over three decades. Gillian built one of the most recognised brands in digital marketing alongside her son Rand Fishkin, travelling 250+ days a year as the company's brand ambassador. Over 1.5 million people still know her as SEO Mom. After leaving Moz, she turned her attention to the staggering imbalance in venture capital, where women receive just 2% of funding despite returning 35% higher ROI. She co-founded the Mastersfund to prove that investing in women is an outsized financial opportunity.Key MomentsCo-founding Moz with Rand Fishkin and becoming the company's global brand ambassadorBuilding personal brands for every team member at Moz and watching it attract top talent and amplify the company brandA government speaker in Trinidad putting away his notes to speak from the heart after watching Gillian's keynoteFounding the Mastersfund to prove investing in women delivers outsized returnsThe data: women raise 44% of what men raise, exit one to two years sooner, and return 35% higher ROIQuotes to Remember"Speak with conviction. If you don't speak with conviction, you're not speaking about the right subject.""Non-performing capital is useless. It has to be at work."Gillian's JourneyCo-founded SEO Moz (now Moz) with her son Rand Fishkin as search engine optimisation took shape in the late 1990s. Served as brand ambassador, speaking at conferences worldwide. After leaving Moz, she launched the Mastersfund with Anne Kennedy, a gender-lens venture capital fund backing women-led companies. She has served as a tech advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. State Department, and government programs across multiple continents.On Speaking and Brand BuildingSpeaking is a powerful shortcut for building personal and company brands. Getting on stage gives you access to decision-makers and relationships that compound over time. Every team member at Moz was encouraged to speak publicly. Whether you pay to speak, speak for free, or get paid, the audience deserves your A game every time. It is a privilege to stand in front of people who have invested their most precious resource: their time.On Venture Capital and WomenWomen receive 2% of venture capital funding, a number unchanged since 1947. Women are capital efficient, raising 44% of what men raise to exit at the same number. Women exit sooner, reducing risk. Women return 35% higher ROI on an annualised basis. The Mastersfund was built to prove investing in women is not a concession; it is an outsized financial opportunity.Free Resource Beyond the Keynote MasterclassAbout the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.