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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Mara Cancune, a Mozambican entrepreneur dedicated to human capital development in her country 

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH (Mozambique)

Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Developing people and human capital is the key to the successful economic development of any country. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Mara Cancune, founder of CharbanúRH - Consultoria e Capacitação, is playing her role to ensure that young people are trained to enter the labour market. 

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Abueng Leepile, a South African agripreneur providing healthy and delicious vegetables to the country 

January 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms (South Africa)

Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa has a long tradition of growing some of the world’s finest fruit and vegetables. In the North West province of the country, agripreneur Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms, is playing her part in the important food production value chain in the country. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
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Fátiha Manuel, an Angolan creative entrepreneur creating fashion and accessory designs to dress the nation

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Fátiha Manuel, founder of Hathifa (Angola)

Fátiha Manuel, founder of Hathifa (Angola)

Startup Story

In Angola, celebrities and regular fashionistas alike know that if there is a special outfit or accessory required, then Hathifa is the place to go. Founder Fátiha Manuel and her team are highly talented creatives building a reputation for delivering bespoke and ready-to-wear outfits that deliver on style.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Fashion
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Emma Tendai Dimairho, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for environmental management 

January 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy (South Africa)

Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Environmental management is a highly specialized business sector and one that is traditionally dominated by men, but Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy, is changing that landscape. 

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Consulting Services, South Africa
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Wilma Cavaleiro, an Angolan woman entrepreneur creating an app for hair and beauty businesses 

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of KUJINGA (Angola)

Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of KUJINGA (Angola)

Startup Story

Ask any beauty or hair salon owner or freelance stylist about the biggest challenges facing the successful running of their businesses and they will tell you that interacting with potential customers in the digital environment is one of them. In Angola, Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of app management company KUJINGA, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Technology, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness
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Ana Maria Panait, an entrepreneur in South Africa creating raw vegan chocolate for conscious consumers 

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ana Maria Panait, founder of Rrraw (South Africa)

Ana Maria Panait, founder of Rrraw (South Africa)

Startup Story

Chocolate lovers will know that there is nothing quite like the taste and aroma of cacao in its purest form, and its health properties are well documented. Now, vegan consumers, as well as chocolate afficionados in South Africa, can experience the fabulous taste of Rrraw, a new vegan, organic and sugar free chocolate brand, founded by entrepreneur Ana Maria Panait, that is exciting tastebuds.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink, Chocolate
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Georgina Angélica, an Angolan entrepreneur turning a passion for early years education into a business 

January 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

Startup Story

For Georgina Angélica, her business motto is: “Cada necessidade um recurso”, which translates as, “For every need, a resource”. In her specialist education and professional development consultancy, she lives by that motto, providing courses and workshops for local educators to meet all needs.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Consulting Services
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Claudia Phantshi, a South African entrepreneur creating memorable travel experiences for her clients

January 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Claudia Phantshi, founder of Pathfinder Travel Consultancy (South Africa)

Claudia Phantshi, founder of Pathfinder Travel Consultancy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Whether planning a business trip or a vacation, it always pays to have a specialist travel planner to help organize the ultimate experience. In South Africa, Claudia Phantshi, founder of Pathfinder Travel Consultancy, is doing just that.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Travel & Leisure
Comment

Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, an Angolan entrepreneur bringing the specialist field of occupational therapy to her country 

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE (Angola)

Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE (Angola)

Startup Story

Occupational therapy is a real calling, with professionals who have a passion for making a difference to people’s lives. Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE is building a clinic in Angola where her specialist knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy, are helping so people who are in need of rehabilitation. 

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In Startup Story Tags Health & Wellbeing, Angola
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Lebogang Ndhlovu, a South African entrepreneur making high quality beauty therapy accessible and affordable

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting (South Africa)

Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to look good and feel confident, and there is nothing quite like getting a great beauty therapy experience to help achieve that goal. Yet for many women in South Africa, getting access to high quality beauty treatments that are affordable can be a challenge. But in Johannesburg and Soweto, entrepreneur and beauty therapy specialist, Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
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Angelique Adcock, a South African entrepreneur taking a state-of-the-art paint coating business to the next level

December 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Angelique Adcock, owner of Electrocoat (South Africa)

Angelique Adcock, owner of Electrocoat (South Africa)

Startup Story

The automotive industry sector is one that requires specialist expertise, technical know-how and years of experience. In the field of specialized applied paint coating, South African company, Electrocoat, owned by Angelique Adcock, is a great example of an entrepreneur who brings all those elements to the table in her growth business. 

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In Startup Story Tags Manufacturing, South Africa
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Emily Kandanga, a Namibian entrepreneur who together with her co-founders is helping people find a path to fitness

December 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Emily Kandanga, Lwando Mufune and Lwimba Mufune, founders of Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

Emily Kandanga, Lwando Mufune and Lwimba Mufune, founders of Sweat Fitness (Namibia)

Startup Story

For many people, getting fit is a real challenge and one that requires not just motivation but also specialist help and advice. In Namibia, that’s where niche business Sweat Fitness comes in. Founded by entrepreneur and passionate fitness advocate Emily Kandanga and her two co-founders, Lwando Mufune and Lwimba Mufune, they are taking fitness to the next level in the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Health & Wellbeing
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Juvenália Brito, an Angolan entrepreneur building a professional make-up service  

December 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Juvenalia-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

When it comes to creating make-up for special events, television and photography shoots, it needs professional expertise. In Angola, a team of women experts in the specialist make-up industry have been brought together by Juvenália Brito, under the Juvenália Beauty brand, a business offering truly professional and beautiful make-overs. 

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Beauty & Wellness
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Vanda Tchimuondje Costa, an Angolan entrepreneur building a business that promotes wellness and healthy eating 

December 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Okuouyuka-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Health and wellness conscious women in Angola have a wonderful source of help when it comes to getting great support and resources to aid overall wellbeing. Okupuyuka Brunch and Wellness is a business that is the brainchild of three women entrepreneurs who want to create a one-stop-shop for women to eat healthily, de-stress with great wellness treatments, and exercise with like-minded women.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Filipa Oliveira, an Angolan entrepreneur putting market research at the heart of successful business 

December 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Filipa Oliveira, founder of MIRA Market Intelligence Research Angola

Filipa Oliveira, founder of MIRA Market Intelligence Research Angola

Startup Story

Any successful business knows that getting access to accurate and timeous market research and data is essential to success. Entrepreneur Filipa Oliveira, founder of MIRA Market Intelligence Research Angola, is bringing world class market insights to her customers to help them to tap into and grow their customer bases.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Business Services
Comment

Vânia Ribeiro, an Angolan entrepreneur providing digital solutions to create a paperless society 

December 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

Startup Story

In Angola, individuals and companies spend vast amounts of time completing administrative tasks by hand that can be done in minutes by harnessing the power of digital technology. Entrepreneur Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda, is bringing the necessary software solutions to make things faster and more efficient.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Business Services
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Sam Blake, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur taking a holistic approach to skincare with her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

As more and more people are becoming conscious about the type of products they put onto their skin, the desire to find more natural solutions is growing. In Zimbabwe, Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare and an experienced Aesthetician herself, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Zimbabwe
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Tadziripa Madzima, a Zimbabwean social entrepreneur with a passion for helping the country’s youth to fulfill their potential 

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Africa is a young continent with millions of young people with vast potential ready to make their contributions to its future economic development and prosperity. But those young people need support, encouragement and the right environment to thrive. In Zimbabwe, social entrepreneur Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth, has created an enterprise committed to empowering young people to fulfill that potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Zimbabwe
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Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, a Zimbabwean creative entrepreneur putting handcrafted expertise at the heart of her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers (Zimbabwe)

Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Zimbabwe has a reputation for producing quality handcrafted goods. But entrepreneur Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers, is looking to build a legacy business that harnesses that creativity to produce accessories that local consumers and visitors alike want to buy.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisan Enterprise, Zimbabwe
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Mati Malema, a South African entrepreneur creating tailor made suits and formal wear for style conscious women executives 

November 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts (South Africa)

Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts (South Africa)

Startup Story

In the world of business, every woman executive wants to look good and feel confident when they present themselves to their clients and to their staff in the workplace. But often, finding that perfectly fitting and great looking suit or item of formalwear, can be difficult, especially when time is a scarce commodity. In South Africa, that’s where Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts, comes to the rescue. Her bespoke approach to tailoring means that clients’ individual clothing needs are met in a stress free way.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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