Alice, can you tell us about your path to entrepreneurship?

Sure. My journey began with a significant health challenge—I was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. This experience deeply motivated me to focus on reproductive medicine and improve healthcare access for women facing similar life-altering illnesses. The birth of my son, who is now 11!!, further intensified my commitment to enhancing insurance access and support for individuals undergoing significant medical treatments.

You have founded several ventures. What obstacles did you face while founding multiple companies, and how did they differ from traditional business ownership?

Despite having found previous companies, every new venture proves to be difficult. This was certainly the case with Ovum Health and MedAnswers. Time and time again I’ve learned similar lessons. Securing capital is always hard, but even harder as a female entrepreneur. And the journey to the first million dollars in revenue was ALWAYS an uphill battle, no matter the solution or market. The startup culture demands constant adaptation in strategies and expectations, which is quite different from traditional business ownership. It demands so much of you and takes so much from you. I often felt isolated, lacking a connection with other founders who could relate and guide me during my unique struggles.

How did Pando’s Peer Groups help you address the challenges you were facing?

Joining Pando’s Peer Groups was a breakthrough for me. Truly. While I had built a strong executive team and advisory board, I realized I needed the camaraderie of other founders who understood my journey. Only they could really ‘feel’ the lows and the highs with me. That level of empathy was huge for me. Pando provided not just accountability but a supportive community. I loved it so much I probably took it to an extreme: I’m part of four different peer groups. But it’s because I’ve gained valuable insights and established connections across all four. 

Can you describe the impact of being part of Pando’s Peer Groups on your business ventures?

It’s hard to describe how profound the impact has been. The support from my peer group members is a game-changer. They offer not only moral support but practical assistance in navigating the complexities of running multiple startups. For instance, during one meeting, as I was looking to sell my business, my group facilitated introductions to strong strategic buyers for one of my companies. Not even my board of advisors managed this feat!

What are your plans for the future regarding your ventures and your involvement with Pando?

Pando is an essential part of my wellbeing and success as a founder. I’m excited to continue leveraging Pando’s Peer Groups for investor introductions and collaborative opportunities. The connection and support I’ve found there has been nothing short of instrumental in clarifying my path and my decisions. As I move forward, I’m excited to see how these relationships will continue to help me grow both personally and professionally.