Most founders chase funding.

The smart ones chase strategic capital.

In this episode, Maria De Santis reveals what separates a check from a true growth partnership—and how women founders can position themselves for both traction and investment in today’s market.

You’ll hear how we both connected around the real-world challenges founders face, especially those underrepresented in venture conversations.

It’s a vulnerable and powerful dialogue on being intentional about who’s in your corner.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

♦️ Why team dynamics matter more than product features in investor decisions

♦️ How to master one revenue channel before diversifying

♦️ The truth about today’s tougher VC environment—and how to stand out

♦️ What makes a funding partner strategic, not just transactional

♦️ How to use your capital wisely and avoid costly mistakes

♦️ Tips on building a real support network that can guide execution and scaling

Timestamp:

00:00:55 – Welcome to Provider's Edge Podcast

00:02:52 – The women founders funding gap: Less than 3% of VC capital

00:03:28 – Key factors investors look for: Team expertise and market opportunity

00:04:51 – Team dynamics: Why business partnerships are tougher than marriage

00:06:49 – Customer acquisition costs: A major reason startups fail

00:08:12 – Revenue diversification strategy: When and how to expand channels

00:10:46 – Current fundraising environment: How the market shifted from 2021 to 2024

00:11:43 – The strategic investor advantage: Beyond just capital

00:13:36 – Best practices for approaching investors: Warm introductions vs. cold outreach

00:15:02 – The relationship-based investment game: Building long-term connections

00:16:53 – Investing in women's health: Economic opportunity meets social impact

00:18:11 – Episode wrap-up and final thanks

🎧 Related Episodes You’ll Love

Ep 130- Why Most HealthTech Solutions Fail: The Hidden Gap Between Innovation and Implementation – This episode digs into the common pitfalls that healthtech founders face (particularly in scaling and market fit).

Ep 154- Is Your Startup Built on Swiss Cheese? with George Pappas – A strong fit because it explores structural weaknesses in startups (teams, roles, funding) that align directly with what we unpacked with MyPhuong.

Ep 177- What Traction Signals Investors Say Yes To – Especially relevant for founders looking for their first backers, this episode zeroes in on what investors are actually looking for.

✅ Want to Keep Growing Without Losing Clients?

Here are 3 ways we can help you today:

🎤 Be a Featured Guest on the Provider’s Edge

Have traction and a story to share? Apply to join us on the show: PulsePointPath.com/Call-Sabrina

📊 Make Your Pitch Investor-Ready

Send us your draft and let me rewrite it so it becomes a funding magnet 👉 PitchToYes.com

🚀 Get in Front of Investors Who Already Want What You’ve Built

Apply for a contestant spot at PulsePointPath.com/Pitch-Application and pitch to active investors and decision-makers in your niche.