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Episode

17

Cindy Padnos, Founder of Illuminate Ventures - From Successful Tech Start-up Founder to Successful VC Founder

Inside the episode

Released May 29, 2020

"It was back-breaking, gut-wrenching work, but the most fun I've ever had." - Cindy Padnos


Cindy is unique in that she founded her own tech company that was purchased by Oracle. She then found her second company, one that funds entrepreneurs. Her advice? Focus on the things that matter - then go off and build a great business!

Cindy believes she has founder genes in her DNA - always thought like a founder. She launched her first company Vivant because, as she put it, she had no more excuses. When describing starting a company: It was back breaking, gut wrenching work - and the most fun she鈥檇 ever had!

What does she look for in a founder? Someone scrappy, resilient, who demonstrates the ability to attract talent and knows how to celebrate wins. If you take away fear and uncertainty and focus on building a solid business you鈥檒l be the better for it. Focus on getting a few things right then when the uncertainty is lifted you鈥檒l be in a much better position.

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