The Three Things VC's Look For In A CEO

What a month this week was. Women launched into space in Texas but they still can't get an abortion there. Tariffs on, Tariffs off, 401ks Down. It's hard to life. Add that on top of being a female founder in this environment. Ever wonder why some startups get millions (ie, mostly men) while others with just as much potential struggle to raise a dime (ie, mostly women")? That’s what hit me hard in my conversation with Beth Ferreira, General Partner at Serena Ventures. It’s not just about having a great idea. You need to be thinking big enough to return an entire VC fund. AN ENTIRE VC FUND!  That’s the rule of the game, and no one’s handing you the playbook. And as women, we know we aren't even invited to play in the game. But why would we let that stop us? Instead, let's make our choices count.  Stop playing small, get laser-focused on your vision, and choose investors like you’re choosing a life partner—because they’ll be in your business longer than some marriages. So dream bigger, plan smarter, and own the room. You have the power - you just have to believe. 

With Love & Lady Business - 

JJ

In today’s edition:

• How You Can Find The Right Investor with Beth Ferreira, General Partner at Serena Ventures

“Ultimately, we have to play the game that’s on the field… we can complain about it or say it’s unfair, but we have to figure out how to break through this.”

Key Takeaways:

• Why product-market fit matters more than passion alone.

• The truth about equity, dilution, and returning the whole fund.

• How to choose investors who back your vision—not just your valuation.

• Why you need to start using AI now if you want to stay competitive.

• Only you get to define what success looks like.

Hi, I’m JJ.

Since starting the Justice Dept, I have increased women's wealth by over $90MM in less than 5 years.

Want to know what inspires me to do this work?

My clients' surprised reaction when I manage to get them much better terms for themselves and their companies, whether talent agreements, employment, severance, partnerships, asset sales or investments.

They often admit that they never thought they could get that result. Not even hoped.

This blows my mind.

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