How a Startup Weekend Pitch Led to a Global Marketplace - Elyse Petersen - Tealet

In this episode, Grant talks with Elyse Peterson, founder of Tealet, a global tea marketplace that connects independent farmers directly to buyers.Elyse shares how she went from working in the food industry to joining the Peace Corps, then unexpectedly launching a startup that took her to 500 Startups in Silicon Valley. She did it all without a pitch deck or formal business plan.We talk about:How a chance invitation to a Startup Weekend changed everythingWhy she’s building a transparent, decentralized supply chainHow blockchain and crypto help her avoid high banking feesWhat it’s like to grow a global business as a solo founderWhy she’s now buying back her company from early investorsThe big idea behind sailboat shipping and the new Boston Tea PartyWhat she wishes she had known before taking investmentElyse’s story is full of insight, grit, and thoughtful innovation. If you care about doing business differently and building something with purpose, you’ll enjoy this conversation.🔗 Learn more about Tealet: https://tealet.com📲 Follow Elyse on TikTok: @tealettea