Hey! It’s Doone, your hype girl in business. As Swift officially becomes the first woman to have 12 No.1 albums under her belt (deserved, IMO) and the Women’s World Cup kicks off, this one goes out with a little nod to all the strong women in our lives.

Let’s get straight into it 👇

The Ultimate Tech Playbook 📝

Last week, Wrapd founder Julie Stevanja shared her ultimate tech playbook for launching into the wild, wild west of the world of apps - and there is some serious gold in here for both techy and CPG founders:

1. Rally the troops 👯 surround yourself with your true friends and supporters (they'll offer you honest feedback and be your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to launching)

2. Marketing Majic: competitions & giveaways 🎁 create a buzz around your app with a fun out-the-box giveaway (extra tip: small ad spend can push things further, but don't overdo it - start organically, test the waters, and then invest wisely)

3. Embrace Growth Hacker Mode 🌱 what works today might not tomorrow, always be exploring different avenues: test, tweak, and repeat (if something doesn't work as expected, no worries - just try something new and keep going)

4. Find Your Tech Guru ‍💫  seriously consider bringing a tech co-founder on board (trust me, having someone who speaks the tech language will ease the journey)

5. Frictionless 🚀 give your potential users a smooth and frictionless way to try out your app (people love freebies, so let them get a taste of what you offer before they make a purchase or download decision)

Remember, this journey should be fun too! Embrace your voice and be bold with it. Launching a successful app is an entrepreneurial journey filled with ups and downs, but with the right attitude and a little help from your friends (slash tech co-founders), your launch will be a sparkling success.

Listen to Julie on the podcast → 

Rebuking the fundraiser myth 🙅‍♀️

The media loves to paint a picture of the glamorous side of fundraising. XYZ just raised $100M! Wahoo! I loved chatting with Glen James on My Millenial Money last week because it was a conversation that felt real. How deciding to go the funding route and venture into the world of VCs is not a decision to be taken lightly, and might even leave you wondering why you decided on the path of entrepreneurship in the first place.

Here's the thing: audit yourself and figure out what journey you want to embark on because these are two very different blueprints. It's about aligning your ambitions and goals with the path that feels right for you.

There is so much to be said for building your business the way YOU want to build it. It's YOUR dream, your vision, your passion. Trusting your instincts, following your heart, and creating something that truly represents who you are as an entrepreneur. I truly believe this is how the best businesses are built, and taking on investment can ultimately mean having a boss of sorts to answer to.

The way to do that is to start small. You want to build an MVP, ensure people actually want what you are trying to build, and then you want to slowly improve day in and day out, chip away, and build traction. So if you do need to raise money down the line, as some industries require or you need capital to scale, you have that leverage and proven concept and won’t undersell yourself.

So, all I ask of you is to approach fundraising with some real thought. Start small, and build your leverage. Choose the blueprint that aligns with your ambitions, and most importantly, build a business that reflects your true essence. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the destination—there is a life to be lived and enjoyed along the way.

Listen to me on My Millennial Money →

• This beauty platform pulled off a positive IPO this week

• Shein has got themselves into trouble again

• Yes to Fenty Beauty’s foundation shade-matching TikTok filter

• Kim K’s Skims Is Now Worth $4 Billion

• Meta’s ads banned in Norway on Facebook and IG??

• Tubi appoints Anjali Sud as new CEO

• LoveShackFancy x Gap is a VIBE

• Is AppleGPT the new kid on the block?

• How Jane Birkin gave us permission to be ourselves

This week's lineup...

This week's recommendations...

Remote 🌴

• Glossier, making products inspired by real life, is hiring an Inventory Control Manager to join the team remotely. Read all about it here.

• Period products reimagined by Flex® are on the hunt for a CX Operations Manager to come on board. Something for you? 

Sydney 🌇

• TBH Skincare, bringing you a patented treatment for acne, is hiring a Graphic Designer to join their (super fun) team! More here.

LDN 💂🏻‍♂️

• Bumble, the dating app on which women make the first move, is looking for a Talent Acquisition Lead to join the team. Apply here.

Playa Vista 🌞

• Honest baby and beauty brand The Honest Company is hiring an Associate Brand Manager to strengthen the team. More here.

That’s all for today folks! Wishing Ikigai on us all this week, catch ya Monday 👋