In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, Tess Robinson emerges as a trailblazer, not just as the CEO of HER Connections, but as a visionary committed to reshaping the narrative for female founders and entrepreneurs. The story of HER Connections is a testament to Tess's unwavering belief in the power of meaningful connections, diversity, and collaborative growth.

Tess's journey began with a simple yet profound realization: the transformative effects of impactful professional relationships. Recognizing the challenges faced by female founders—be it gatekeepers, limited opportunities, or the fear of rejection—Tess set out to create HER Connections, a platform dedicated to fostering an inclusive ecosystem where founders, entrepreneurs, and investors unite to unlock their full potential.

The startup addresses a crucial gap in the market, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses seeking top-tier guidance without the overhead of a full-time team. What sets HER Connections apart is its tailored approach, delivering actionable plans for growth, brand recognition, and customer engagement. Tess's hands-on experience in building brands from the ground up and navigating the startup landscape gives HER Connections a unique edge, positioning it as a catalyst for success.

Challenges are inevitable in any startup journey, and Tess candidly shares her current hurdle: brand awareness. Despite this, she embraces the organic development of HER Connections, recognizing the value of a community that grows authentically.

Fueled by a belief in the strength of diversity, Tess has fostered a company culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and growth. HER Connections is not just a platform; it's a movement—a collective effort to amplify women's voices and bridge the gap in female founder representation across industries.

As HER Connections prepares for its first real market test during Art Basel, Tess reflects on key milestones—establishing robust funnels, becoming a fully incorporated entity—and looks ahead to building brand awareness and a devoted audience.

As a thought leader and a Venture Capitalist, Tess foresees the need for increased investment in female-founded startups. HER Connections isn't just a platform; it's a catalyst for change. While other platforms serve founders in general, HER Connections stands out by focusing on the unique needs of female founders and entrepreneurs.

Tess's perspective on financing methods, especially equity crowdfunding, reflects her understanding of the nuances. The pros, including validation and marketing, are balanced with challenges like regulatory limitations and time consumption. HER Connections navigates these waters with strategic acumen.

For Tess, the ideal investor is a partner who shares the passion for serving female founders and actively contributes to the community. Beyond financial support, she seeks investors who understand the mission and play a role in bridging the gap between female founders and funding.

To budding entrepreneurs, Tess imparts valuable advice: understand your mission, validate your idea, prioritize networking, and be prepared for rejections. She emphasizes sustainable growth, mental well-being, integrity, and a continuous learning mindset—a holistic approach to the demanding startup journey.

HER Connections is not just Tess's startup; it's a movement she invites everyone to be part of. Connect with her at tess@herconnections.ai or follow HER Connections on socials for a journey that goes beyond entrepreneurship—it's a journey of empowerment.