Found(H)er Mind

A sneak peek into what starting the M&A process of your startup looks like. Is anyone taking my calls? Who is helping me? And how do I feel about it all?! This and other reflections from the first few weeks. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not in New York and definitely not crying. Here's how I'm feeling in the aftermath of the big decision to sell my startup. And here's what some people are saying to me about it! Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big decisions! A new city (sort of) and a whole new chapter for me as a founder. Super excited about both. Here are some reasons for why I made these decisions and what happens now. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spent 2 weeks in LA. Got back to Phoenix. Took an important step with my startup. Also had some less exciting developments. If you're a startup founder, you can relate. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've never talked about it publicly. $200 on my account. No savings. My visa running out in 3 weeks. My rent late. They say it's darkest just before the dawn. That's what it felt like. And that's when I learned to get comfortable with chaos. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fundraising isn't about quantity as much as it is about quality. Instead of "spray and pray", I spend 10 minutes vetting each fund. Here's how I decide who to talk to - and who not to waste time on. Shoutout to Eniac Ventures that I used as an example. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their hearts and on their websites they want to invest in visionary startups. But in reality, few investors can identify one. The masses see the reality only after you've built it. But how do you recognize an investor that can actually dream with you? Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two months in the fifth biggest city of America. Getting to know the startup ecosystem, getting surprised by so many things. Phoenix reminds me of another city I know very well.. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apparently two months is a long time to stay in one place. For me. So when an opportunity knocks, you bet I pack my bags and go! Definitely returning back to LA but first a little more adventuring. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've lived in five different countries across three continents. I have beaten the odds of a cold start over and over again. So when I build a startup, you bet I will succeed. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know that feeling when you scream to yourself "I f*cking know how to solve this" and then just go back to not doing it because you don't have time, money or human resources? Yeah, those frustrations. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharing some personal experiences, and knowing I am not the only one. This false narrative may end up hurting women more than helping us. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All events start early and end early. A lot of people are into wellness. And a few other learnings based on my very social week out in LA! Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have not always played to my strengths because I was ashamed to admit that there were things I just wasn't great at. I tried to convince myself that I will learn to love process flows and Excel sheets. But nope. I won't. And I shouldn't. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who would have thought I won't miss NYC after two weeks in LA! I've found my rhythm in LA but I've got to be honest, I can't wait to get social. So that's exactly what I'm going to do this week. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I never had an American dream. But here I am, building a startup as an immigrant in the United States. My journey from NYC to LA has not been a smooth one but it's been worth it. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spending Christmas alone in Copenhagen, then coming "back" to a city that I have never lived in. And suddenly I feel like home. Life is wild! Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sat down with my founder bestie today. Truthfully, without her I would not be a sane person by this point of the founder journey! Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My world tour has taken me to the cute capital of Denmark. From the airport to the office and to our first meeting with the new advisor. Not loving the weather. Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel that investors should have founder experience? I do. Sharing in this update the biggest problem I see in the startup investor world. Do you agree? Follow me on Instagram: @annaratala Connect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratala Special thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.