Madeline Fraser is the CEO and Founder of Gemist, the first mobile app to allow users to design jewelry and try it on at home before purchasing it. Having grown problem-solving tech startups in the past, Madeline founded Gemist to turn the custom jewelry process into something personal and modern for consumers. Before creating Gemist, Madeline served as the CMO and Co-founder of the tech companies, ZOOM Interiors and Hutch. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Interior Design, and Architecture at George Washington University in 2014.

Madeline joins us today to share her advice on weathering the fundraising process. She discusses the lessons she learned from co-founding her previous two companies and describes what it was like to pitch in Shark Tank. She explains how the founder of Tinder became her mentor and why failures turn us into stronger business owners. She also outlines how venture capitalists invest during the pandemic and underscores the importance of building a network with other founders.

“Fundraising is networking and tapping into the founder network.” - Madeline Fraser

This week’s takeaways from Entreprenista:

Madeline’s background as an Entreprenista and how she turned her passion for design into a businessHer experience collaborating with the CEO of TinderWhat it means to found a company and Gemist’s backstoryHow mistakes and failure help us become stronger people and business ownersFiguring out your brand’s point of difference and making a splash in the marketTurning an idea into a brand and the steps Madeline took toward launching GemistMadeline’s tips for navigating the fundraising processThe value of creating a network with other foundersMadeline’s strategies for starting the fundraising process and keeping track of her networkThe challenges of fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemicHow venture capitalists have shifted their investing mindset during the pandemicBeing your own cheerleader and the role of self-care in the fundraising process

Resources Mentioned:

StreakSlack

Our Favorite Quotes:

“Fail fast, fix fast, and learn fast.” - Madeline Fraser“Understanding consumer behavior and making things easier is everything for the digital consumer in a tech world.” - Madeline Fraser“Sometimes, the best thing you can walk away with is a new connection and a new introduction, so keep talking to 10 people a day when you’re in the thick of fundraising.” - Madeline Fraser

Connect with Madeline Fraser:

GemistGemist on LinkedInGemist on InstagramGemist on FacebookMadeline Fraser on LinkedInMadeline Fraser on Instagram

Help More Female Entrepreneurs & Leaders Through the IFundWomen Campaign

We are thrilled to announce that our iFundWomen campaign is now live! We have supported so many women through Entreprenista, and we're excited to share this opportunity with you to support our campaign and continue to help women business owners and leaders. 

Our funding goal is $100,000 - which means that every dollar counts. The best part? We've created incredible rewards that will help you as part of our campaign! 

When you pledge to the iFundWomen Campaign, you’ll receive:

An exclusive Entreprenista League Membership rateDedicated Instagram and website features to promote you and your businessInterviews on the Entreprenista podcast and our new podcast that's launching in 2022 - Startups In StilettosOne-on-one sessions with Stephanie or Courtney...and so much more

Visit iFundWomen.com/Projects/Entreprenista to contribute any amount you feel comfortable with.