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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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Esta van Heerden, a South African biotech leader in environmental clean-up

December 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Esta van Heerden, founder of iWater Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Esta van Heerden, founder of iWater Pty Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

Many women entrepreneurs in Africa are driven to start their businesses because of an identified need. For Esta van Heerden, founder of iWater Pty Ltd in South Africa, she is passionate about the environment and wants to ensure that all citizens have access to clean water in the future. She also believes that companies that have contaminated the environment MUST clean it up! Her business is now offering companies a solution to this clean-up need, harnessing the best of technology solutions to aid the process.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing & Engineering, Water
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Agnes Chikukwa Hove, an entrepreneur educating South Africans in financial wellness

December 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Agnes Chikukwa Hove, founder of Sequor Consulting (South Africa)

Agnes Chikukwa Hove, founder of Sequor Consulting (South Africa)

Startup Story

Helping people to make the right financial life and business decisions is what drives entrepreneur Agnes Chikukwa Hove, founder of Sequor Consulting, in South Africa. Today, her company provides specialist financial training and money management coaching that also builds the confidence needed to make smart financial choices.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Lucia Molefe, a South African entrepreneur baking her way to success

December 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lucia Molefe, founder of Mokgalaka Creations (South Africa)

Lucia Molefe, founder of Mokgalaka Creations (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Lucia Molefe is the founder of Mokgalaka Creations. She was always good with her hands and had a passion for making cakes and cooking, as she would make the occasional cake and platter for friends and family. In 2006, Lucia embraced this skillset and registered Mokgalaka Creations as a business. Immediately, she began taking cake designing and decoration classes after working hours to sharpen her God-given talent. During this time, she began growing her home-based business part-time. In 2008, Mokgalaka Creations had begun taking off. It was in this year that she resigned after 15 years of service with the Department of Social Development to focus full-time on her passion and her business.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Suraya Williams, a South African entrepreneur building an impact-driven clothing manufacturing business

December 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Suraya Williams, founder of Design26 (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Suraya Williams, founder of Design26 (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, clothing manufacturing has always played an important role in the local economy, creating jobs and developing skills. Today, Suraya Williams, founder of Design26 (Pty) Ltd, is carrying on the legacy of her late mother by transforming a clothing manufacturing business to a CMT (cut-make-trim) operation, creating skilled jobs in the process.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion, Manufacturing
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Angellah Manda, a Malawian entrepreneur who is turning crocheting into a clothing manufacturing business 

December 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Angellah Manda, founder of Angelos Crochet (Malawi)

Angellah Manda, founder of Angelos Crochet (Malawi)

Startup Story

Crocheting is an art that many Malawians are taught at an early age, but for Angellah Manda, founder of Angelos Crochet, she was inspired to take the craft to the next level and into business. Today, her beautifully crafted crochet garments and accessories are desirable fashion items by her growing customer base.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Artisan Enterprise, Fashion
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Thuli Zikalala, a South African professional sign language interpreter building a unique impact driven business

December 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thuli Zikalala, founder of Yellow Owl (South Africa)

Thuli Zikalala, founder of Yellow Owl (South Africa)

Startup Story

For the deaf and hard of hearing, being able to keep up to date with news, information and powerful digital content is so important to maintain those all important connections in life and in business. Thuli Zikalala, founder of specialist business Yellow Owl, is playing her part as a professional sign language interpreter.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Siwinile Khumalo, a South African engineering professional creating access to clean and healthy water

December 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

In South Africa, many people still do not have access to clean and healthy water supplies each day. For entrepreneur Siwinile Khumalo, founder of Sucxeed Projects (Pty) Ltd, addressing this challenge was the inspiration for her business building journey. Today she is a water solutions and services provider, changing lives and communities.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Manufacturing
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Michèle Mianza, an entrepreneur connecting patients to healthcare professionals in the Democratic Republic of Congo 

December 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Michèle Mianza, founder of 2mk Healthcare (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Michèle Mianza, founder of 2mk Healthcare (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Startup Story

Technology has become a real gamechanger in the world of healthcare, providing those in need with access to medical advice and healthcare professionals via apps and digital platforms. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, entrepreneur Michèle Mianza, founder of 2mk Healthcare empowers people to manage their health journeys using technology.

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In Startup Story Tags Democratic Republic of Congo, Apps, Healthtech
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Leidemara Ramos, an entrepreneur creating Cape Verde’s first integrated transport and visitor booking platform

December 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Resermar-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

For travellers who want to visit Cape Verde for vacations or business, help is at hand thanks to the team at Resermar Reservas Online, the country’s first online integrated booking platform co-founded by Leidimara Ramos. This one-stop-shop platform assists not only visitors, but also those smaller suppliers on Cape Verde who want to connect with potential new customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Cape Verde, Travel & Leisure, Online Service
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Sibongile Mtsabe, a South African agriprocessor tackling the country’s nutritional needs

December 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sibongile Mtsabe, founder of Sibocali Traders (South Africa)

Sibongile Mtsabe, founder of Sibocali Traders (South Africa)

Startup Story

Getting access to good, affordable and nutritious food that can also help in addressing obesity, diabetes and malnutrition is a challenge for many communities in South Africa. For entrepreneur Sibongile Mtsabe, founder of Sibocali Traders, that challenge provided the inspiration for the launch of her agriprocessing business.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink, Manufacturing
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Xoliswa Hlongwane, a South African entrepreneur creating jobs in the clothing manufacturing sector 

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Xoliswa Hlongwane, founder of  XO Collection (South Africa)

Xoliswa Hlongwane, founder of XO Collection (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa needs jobs, and it also needs to rebuild a strong clothing manufacturing industry sector, and that’s where entrepreneur Xoliswa Hlongwane is making her contribution to the economy through her XO Collection (Pty) Ltd.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion, Manufacturing
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Zola Shabangu, a South African entrepreneur developing next generation clothing manufacturers 

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Zola Shabangu, founder of iGoda Clothing Manufacturing Incubator (South Africa)

Zola Shabangu, founder of iGoda Clothing Manufacturing Incubator (South Africa)

Startup Story

Driven by a desire to create opportunities for South African clothing manufacturers and designers to create and supply their clothing to local retailers, Zola Shabangu launched iGoda Clothing Manufacturing Incubator PTY Ltd. Today, the business is a development incubator for a new generation of fashion designers and seamstresses.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion, Manufacturing
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Karunas Reddy, a natural food brand builder creating wheat and gluten free foods 

November 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Karunas Reddy, ceo of Nonna’s Foods (South Africa)

Karunas Reddy, ceo of Nonna’s Foods (South Africa)

Startup Story

For all those with a wheat or gluten intolerance in South Africa and looking for healthy, natural products such as plant based pastas and baking mixes, help is at hand from Nonna’s Foods. Entrepreneur Karunas Reddy is on a mission to offer her customers the widest range of delicious and healthy gluten and wheat free products that are tasty, healthy and importantly safe to eat.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Metsana Kojane, a South African agripreneur empowering women and girls through beekeeping 

November 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Metsana Kojane, founder of Eden Roots PTY Ltd (South Africa)

Metsana Kojane, founder of Eden Roots PTY Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

Agribusiness is big business in South Africa, and one passionate, enterprising woman entrepreneur, Metsana Kojane, founder of Eden Roots PTY Ltd, is putting bees at the heart of her business. Her production of beautifully natural honey has not only created local agri-processing jobs for women in her community, but also the creation of a natural skincare brand using the wax, propolis and royal jelly from her raw honey hives.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business
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Emmanuella Aboa, an entrepreneur in Kenya passionate about developing people and businesses

November 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

Startup Story

For any individual or business wanting to achieve their full potential, it is often essential to get the right training, skills development and advice. Based in Kenya but with a pan-African presence, entrepreneur Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd, is focused on helping individuals and businesses thrive in their eco-systems.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Business Services
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Anne Drane, championing artisan women in Kenya with her slow fashion brand Sawa Sawa Collection

November 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Anne Drane, founder of The Sawa Sawa Collection (Kenya/USA)

Anne Drane, founder of The Sawa Sawa Collection (Kenya/USA)

Startup Story

One of the biggest challenges for women artisans in Kenya is getting their handcrafted products into global markets. The Sawa Sawa Collection, founded by Anne Drane and her co-founders looks to help change that narrative, empowering women to make a sustainable living from their work and contribute to local economic empowerment.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, United States, Fashion
Comment

Thuladu Mngadi, a passionate South African foodpreneur creating first-class catering experiences

November 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thuladu Mngadi, founder of Fresh Food Daily (South Africa)

Thuladu Mngadi, founder of Fresh Food Daily (South Africa)

Startup Story

To ensure your corporate or private function is memorable for your guests, great catering is essential. After all, people may forget the speeches but they will always remember the food. In South Africa, that’s where Fresh Food Daily comes in. Founder Thuladu Mngadi, has a passion for creating great African cuisine, all delivered with a touch of flair.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Charzade Araujo, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about mentoring the next generation 

November 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors

Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors

Startup Story

Everyone needs a mentor in life and in business, but often for young people in particular, mentors can be hard to find. One woman entrepreneur, Charzade Araujo, founder of Teen Mentors in Mozambique, has made it her goal to provide that solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur, Mentoring
Comment

Nonhlanhla Ditshego, a South African entrepreneur building an exciting craft gin brand

November 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nonhlanhla Ditshego, co-founder of Vuttomi Liquids (South Africa)

Nonhlanhla Ditshego, co-founder of Vuttomi Liquids (South Africa)

Startup Story

The craft gin market has exploded globally over the past few years with some interesting independent brands emerging, particularly in South Africa. One of those brands is Vuttomi Liquids, co-founded by Nonhlanhla Ditshego and her family, and they have big hopes and ambitions for the future.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
Comment

Boikano Sikwane, a South African entrepreneur turning a family chilli recipe into a growing business 

November 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Boikano Sikwane, co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods (South Africa)

Boikano Sikwane, co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africans love their condiments, especially those that have a chilli kick to them. So for all those consumers who are constantly in search of a new chilli taste sensation, look no further than Chuck Chilli, an exciting brand of chilli condiments from Chuck Chilli Foods, co-founded by Boikano Sikwane.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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← Newer Posts Older Posts →

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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