In a world where youthful entrepreneurs often dominate the narrative, four remarkable women have shattered stereotypes by launching successful businesses after the age of 40.
Their stories highlight the unique advantages that come with experience, resilience, and a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Women-founded companies often generate more revenue despite receiving less investment.
- The average age of successful U.S. founders is 45, challenging the myth of youth in entrepreneurship.
- Experience and established networks provide significant advantages for older founders.
Joanna Strober: Revolutionizing Women’s Health
Joanna Strober, 56, founded Midi Health, a virtual care clinic tailored for women in midlife. Her inspiration stemmed from personal struggles with perimenopause, leading her to create a platform that offers accessible healthcare solutions.
- Background: Previously founded Kurbo Health, sold to Weight Watchers in 2014.
- Funding: Midi Health has raised over $100 million, with backing from Google Ventures.
- Advantage: Strober emphasizes the importance of experience, stating, “You have bigger networks and can solve big problems.”
Julie Bornstein: Innovating E-Commerce
At 54, Julie Bornstein co-founded Daydream, an AI-powered shopping platform. With a rich background in e-commerce, including her role as COO at Stitch Fix, she leveraged her expertise to create a fashion recommendation engine.
- Previous Ventures: The Yes, an AI shopping platform acquired by Pinterest.
- Funding: Daydream secured over $50 million in seed funding.
- Experience: Bornstein notes, “The biggest benefit is having so much experience under my belt.”
Sara Schiller and Karen Robinovitz: The Joy of Sloomoo
Friends for 17 years, Sara Schiller, 54, and Karen Robinovitz, 52, co-founded Sloomoo Institute, a multi-city experiential brand centered around slime. Their journey began as a joyful escape during tumultuous times in their lives.
- Background: Both have extensive experience in talent management and events.
- Funding: Raised $5.8 million in a Series A funding round.
- Philosophy: Robinovitz encourages others to “embrace your experience and trust your intuition.”
The Advantages of Starting Later
These women exemplify how starting a business after 40 can be advantageous. Here are some key benefits:
- Experience: Years of professional experience provide insights that younger founders may lack.
- Network: Established connections can facilitate funding and partnerships.
- Time and Flexibility: As children grow up, many women find they have more time to dedicate to their ventures.
- Risk-Taking: Older founders often have a greater appetite for risk, having navigated various life challenges.
Conclusion
The stories of Joanna Strober, Julie Bornstein, Sara Schiller, and Karen Robinovitz serve as powerful reminders that age can be an asset in entrepreneurship. Their journeys not only inspire other women but also challenge the conventional wisdom that youth is synonymous with success in the business world. As they continue to innovate and lead, these founders are paving the way for future generations of entrepreneurs, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.