Why This Founder Refuses VC Money | Susanne Mitschke

What does it take to build a company that lasts decades—not just until the next funding round?In this episode of Be Anomalous, I sit down with Susanne Mitschke, co-founder and CEO of Citruslabs, the leading provider of decentralized clinical studies for consumer brands.With a background in biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health, Susanne has spent her career at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. From founding her first startup in the digital health space to building a profitable company without venture capital, she shares a refreshingly practical perspective on what it really means to build something sustainable.We discuss:• Why she chose not to raise venture capital for Citruslabs• The lessons she learned from her first startup• What founders get wrong about fundraising• Building a profitable business from day one• Leadership, hiring, and company culture• Why women's health has historically been underrepresented in research• The future of clinical studies and consumer health brands• Founder health, burnout, sleep, and sustainable performance• Failure, resilience, and making unconventional decisionsOne of my favorite takeaways from this conversation:"The most unsexy thing is often the thing that moves the needle the most."In a world obsessed with headlines, valuations, and hustle culture, Susanne offers a different path—one built on ownership, discipline, and long-term thinking.Connect with Susanne:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannemitschke/About Be AnomalousBe Anomalous is a podcast for founders, creators, innovators, and cultural disruptors who are building outside the lines. Through candid conversations, we explore unconventional journeys, hard-earned lessons, and the mindset required to create a life on your own terms.Subscribe for new episodes every week.Be bold. Be real. Be anomalous.#BeAnomalous #Entrepreneurship #FounderStories #WomensHealth #ClinicalResearch #Bootstrapping #Startups #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #HealthcareInnovation