Values-Based Investing in Women-Led Startups with Rachel Zayas

By 2030, it’s estimated that women will have control of over 60% of wealth in the United States. But historically, not only have women not played a big role in investing, but companies founded and led by women only receive around 2% of available venture funding. It’s time for us to take the reins, invest in the technology and women of the future, and make it part of our sound wealth-generating strategies. Rachel Zayas, CEO of AGED is here today to share her story of starting her company, pivoting when necessary, the difficulties of raising funds, and more. This week’s episode 160 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about values-based investing in women-lead startups! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Rachel Zayas is sharing the importance of investing in companies founded and led by women and actionable steps you can take right now to support women founders beyond monetary investments. Rachel Zayas is the Founder and CEO of Active Genomes Expressed Diagnostics (AGED), a diagnostics venture focused on developing diagnostic tools for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, liver disease) and fibrosis (liver scarring). Her expertise ranges from genetics, clinical research, grant writing to product development. Rachel has a Masters in Biotechnology and Business from American University.Some of the talking points Julie and Rachel go over in this episode include:The challenges of raising capital, especially in the last few years.Clear communication and confidence when pitching and talking to investors.Listening to customers and pivoting when necessary - it's rare to get it right the first time!Being unapologetically bold, present, and courageous as a woman leader.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH RACHEL ZAYAS:LinkedInAGED DiagnosticsCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL