What is the best way to ask for money to bring your vision to life?
Steven Sashen suggests that the first step is to prove your concept. Rather than telling investors about your idea, show them that it works.
Steven is Cofounder and CEO of Xero Shoes, a company that has helped hundreds of thousands of people Live Feet First with happy, healthy, strong feet in addictively comfortable footwear.
A serial entrepreneur, former professional standup comic and competitive sprinter, Steven and his wife, Lena Phoneix, built Xero Shoes to promote the fun and freedom of natural movement.
On this episode of Leading Visionaries, Steven joins Anjel to share his experiences raising money from friends and family, venture capital firms and equity crowdfunding.
Steven explains how his running injuries inspired the creation of Xero Shoes and describes how the company has grown from a team of two to 82.
Listen in for Steven’s insight on the challenge of finding a mentor when you’re charting new territory and learn how to leverage proof-of-concept to raise capital for your business.
What You Will Learn
Why it never occurred to Steven to get a 9-to-5 job
Why Steven suggests proving your concept first and then asking for money
How Xero Shoes raised over $1M in an equity crowdfunding raise
Why being conscious of who you want to partner with helps you attract investors
How Steven’s running injuries inspired Xero Shoes
The natural movement experience Xero Shoes provide their customers
How Steven and his wife went from a team of 2 to 82
The challenge of finding a mentor when no one has done what you’re doing
Why it’s tricky to get people to unbelieve anything
How Steven knows it’s time to create the next thing
Connect with Steven Sashen
Xero Shoes
Resources
Xero Shoes on How I Built This
Be Heard by Millions and Live Your Destiny: A Creative Age Leader’s Guide to Speak, Sell, Serve & Succeed by Anjel B. Hartwell
Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell
Leading Visionaries Podcast
Join the Leading Visionaries Community
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Creative Age Consulting Group
Anjel on X
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