Overcoming Blockers

One of the major concerns I get from many of my followers, and which led me to venture capitalism in the first place, is the difficulty faced by many entrepreneurs in accessing funds for their businesses. As an experienced CEO in the technology space and an active entrepreneur, I can feel for such people, especially big-spirited and talented individuals, some of whom have left active employment to venture into business.

How You Can Learn from My Childhood Experience

It would be false to claim that I had the worst childhood experience. That notwithstanding, I had my own set of challenges to deal with. Like any other normal kid, I played sports and developed strong friendships. However, my retrospective nature would take the better part of me at most times. I would spend most time alone- reading, watching documentaries, and stuff like that.

I know what you might be thinking- that my experience as a child is perfectly normal, and many others had a much worse experience than mine. I can’t deny that; it’s true.

The point is not what I went through, but rather how I responded to the same challenges. Rather than get bored alone, I used my time to turn myself around. I developed a strong reading habit, which is still a major part of my current lifestyle. Consistent reading made me more knowledgeable; I create connections with other people’s challenges and apply those to solve my own problems. I associate my business success with the reading culture I developed as a child.

Rather than let my weaknesses ruin me; I used it to better myself. I didn’t just sit down and do nothing. I worked to overcome these challenges. And guess what? It worked.

The True State of Business Funding

My little childhood story can relate to what most entrepreneurs have to go through in accessing funds for their business. Despite being armed with relevant growth hacking techniques, many startups fail to see the end of the day for the mere reason of lack of capital. This might sound shocking if the startup success stories aired on many media channels are anything to go by. According to them, potential businesses are increasingly getting successful thanks to access to funds.

Well, that’s according to the media. While such stories can be a constant source of hope and inspiration for female founders, talented innovators, and other aspiring entrepreneurs, the true state of business funding on the ground tells a totally different story.

A critical look at the funding of many businesses highlights a huge gap between business founders and entrepreneurs, with the former being the main beneficiaries making them conditional founders. It’s this realization that led me and my team at the growth warrior to dig further for the truth.

We researched different companies; from investment-based firms, to research firms, and investment communities. From our findings, it was clear that access to business funding was limited to certain groups of people and regions. Below is the highlight of this group with an almost guaranteed access to business funding.

·      A majority of them were white males, most of whom had a college education

·      Most of them live in the leafy suburbs of West Coast and New York City

·      A good majority attended elite schools and have a close connection with able investors

How to Leverage on the Way of a Growth Warrior to Overcome Business Funding Challenges

There fact is that many businesses, both underdog firms and those with a higher potential of being successful, have been denied easy access to business funds. Now that’s the bad news. The good news? These challenges are the basic elements that shape a person and preparing him or her for greatness and business success. However, this is on condition that you work to overcome the challenges.

Just like my childhood experience, which was made worse by my terrible stuttering, and which make the basis of the 7 non-negotiable skills of a growth warrior, overcoming these problems is the key to having a transforming mindset. I chose to learn from my challenges and experiences and use them to shape a successful future CEO, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist.

Success doesn’t make me an exceptional human being. You too can do it Many others have done it successfully. Having doubts? Check what we found out.

·      Since 2007, there has been a 58% rise in non-white female business founders in the U.S. with 4 out of every 10 business being owned by them

·        There has been a significant rise in non-white venture capitalists for both established businesses and startups

The freedom in today's world is enough to break the notion that business success is dependent on the support of venture capitalist. While we at the growth warrior strive to help struggling and talented entrepreneurs, there’s still potential in individual work and suport. To take advantage of new technology, especially the internet, to develop your products independently, create better connections with customers, and taking your business to a whole new level.

Yes! You’ve heard it right. It’s possible. I have done it. Others have done it. You can do it too. All it takes is a transformed mindset and hard work.