S3Ep117: How You Can Find the Right Investor with Beth Ferreira, General Partner of Serena Ventures

Ever wonder why some startups get millions while others with just as much potential struggle to raise a dime? That’s what hit me hard in my conversation with Beth Ferreira, General Partner at Serena Ventures. It’s not just about having a great idea. You need to be thinking big enough to return an entire VC fund. That’s the rule of the game, and no one’s handing you the playbook. Stop playing small, get laser-focused on your vision, and choose investors like you’re choosing a life partner—because they’ll be in your business longer than some marriages. So dream bigger, plan smarter, and own the room.Key Takeaways:Why product-market fit matters more than passion alone.The truth about equity, dilution, and returning the whole fund.How to choose investors who back your vision—not just your valuation.Why you need to start using AI now if you want to stay competitive.Only you get to define what success looks like.Learn More About Beth Ferreira & Serena Ventures:Website: https://www.serenaventures.com/LinkedIn: @bethmferreiraInstagram: @serena.venturesAbout Our Guest Beth Ferreira is a General Partner at Serena Ventures, where she invests in early-stage companies that empower everyday people. With a career that spans venture capital and high-growth startups, Beth began at Flatiron Partners during the dot-com boom, then sharpened her operating chops at Etsy as one of its earliest employees and later at fab.com. Before joining Serena Ventures, she was a partner at FirstMark Capital and helped launch a venture fund in partnership with WME. Beth brings a rare blend of investor insight and startup grit, with a passion for backing women and underrepresented founders building category-defining businesses.About Our Company, The Justice Dept.A female-focused advisory, consulting, and law firm advocating for female founders, talent, execs, and brands. We represent bo$$ ladies to make them 💰💰.Website:  https://www.thejusticedept.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jenniferjustice6653If you love what you are getting out of our show, please subscribe.This is a Lady Business LLC & SMC Production