In this episode, Nomiki Petrolla founder of Theanna, a groundbreaking platform empowering women tech founders, unpacks the realities of startup success few talk about. She reveals why crossing major business milestones remains elusive for most founders and how a combination of grit, knowing your product inside out, and embracing rejection can transform your journey.

What’s inside:
• The systemic challenges and gaps women founders face in tech and funding
• How to own your product vision without losing control
• “Rejection therapy” - why being comfortable with failure is a superpower
• The obsession and rapid experimentation mindset every entrepreneur needs
• Building a supportive community that fuels growth and accountability
• How to validate ideas efficiently and avoid costly missteps
• Balancing cutting-edge AI tools with genuine human connection
• Practical wisdom from someone leading a women-first startup revolution

If you’re on the path to scaling your business, breaking barriers, or fueling unstoppable growth, this episode offers a raw yet hopeful blueprint for owning your vision and reaching new heights.

📌 Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, women founders, startup enthusiasts, and changemakers committed to making an impact.

Connect with Nomiki Petrolla(Guest):
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomikipetrolla/
Website: https://theanna.io/v2

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About the host:
I’m Abhinav Sinha, host of “Funds & Founders”, a podcast for Austin entrepreneurs navigating early-stage startups. I explore the highs, lows, and breakthrough moments of local founders through candid conversations. I also sit down with VCs to uncover how they evaluate early-stage companies and share practical insights. I create an intimate space for guests to share authentic stories, inspiring aspiring founders along their journey.

Contact me here,
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhinavbsinha/
Newsletter: https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/

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0:00 - Trailer
0:58 - Intro
1:23 - Why do only 2% of VC funds go to women? What’s Ana’s mission to change that?
1:42 - What inspired you to build Ana? What was the defining moment?
5:00 - Why does a business fundamentals skill gap exist for women founders?
7:40 - What top 2–3 skills should women focus on when starting a business?
12:30 - What did day one of building Ana look like, from idea to first revenue?
17:35 - What goals or KPIs drive Ana’s growth journey?
18:22 - How do you measure the real impact, are members actually launching?
20:11 - What key skills do founders need at each stage, launch, grow, scale?
23:08 - Why do so many founders overbuild before validating their idea?
26:20 - How do you decide when to ship or scrap an idea within 48 hours?
27:54 - What’s the 60-second version of your six-step founder framework?
28:43 - How easily can founders turn your framework into action?
30:28 - Why do most productivity or milestone tools fail to feel personalized?
34:13 - What tool or system gives you back the most focus hours each week?
35:36 - What are your most-used tools for productivity and growth?
38:05 - What happens when everyone uses AI for cold outreach?
39:21 - Will authentic voices get drowned out in the AI outreach era?
40:07 - What kind of merch should Theanna create for its community?
44:20 - Beyond funding, what hidden barrier slows women founders the most?
45:41 - What mindset cues reveal if a founder will stay the course or quit early?
46:16 - How important is a risk-taking attitude in overcoming rejection and failure?
48:24 - What was your experience hitting 10K MRR and dealing with investors?
49:40 - How do you approach fundraising, safe notes, valuation, or waiting it out?
50:21 - What should founders understand about investor incentives and FOMO?
53:12 - If you could send a 60-second voice note to your past self, what would it say?
53:39 - What’s the first validation step for someone with an idea in their notes app?
53:57 - Fast forward 3 years, what headline do you want to read about yourself and Theanna?
54:21 - Who’s your dream podcast guest to interview next?

#WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #WomenEntrepreneurs #StartupJourney #ProductLeadership #WomenWhoBuild #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation