Raising a Series A is hard. The numbers speak for themselves: only 20-30% of startups that secure seed funding ever make it to Series A. For female founders like me, the odds are even steeper. Of all Series A capital raised in 2024, women founders or all-women teams of founders were responsible for 3.5%, while mixed gender founder teams made up about 21%.
When I co-founded RAD Security, I knew the challenges ahead. But the journey wasn’t just about raising money. It was just as much about proving that what we were building had real value in the market, finding the right customers, and staying disciplined amid countless distractions.
As someone who’s navigated this path, I want to share some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way. These insights aren’t just theoretical. They’re hard-earned truths from building a company in an incredibly competitive and unpredictable space. I hope that these lessons can help other founders, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, who are tackling the same uphill climb.
Traction Speaks Louder Than Anything Else
Let me just say this up front: traction is everything. Investors love to talk about shiny products and futuristic roadmaps, but at the end of the day, they care whether you can prove people want what you’re selling.
For RAD Security, this meant staying completely locked in on acquiring customers and driving revenue. Every decision we made — what features to build, what partnerships to pursue — came down to one question: “Will this help us grow?”
It’s tempting to get distracted by things that feel important, like media appearances or industry conferences, but those won’t move the needle when you’re trying to close a round. Your focus has to be on growth and proving demand. Period.
Embrace the Odds (and Then Crush Them)
The odds are scary, but they’re not impossible. Knowing that only a small number of female-founded startups make it to Series A was daunting, but it also fueled me. Every rejection became a chance to refine our pitch, strengthen our strategy, and prove to ourselves and investors that we had what it took.
It’s OK to acknowledge the challenges, but don’t let them define your journey. And when you do achieve those milestones, own them. You’re moving your company forward, but you’re also inspiring others to do the same.
Take Control of Your Story
One of the biggest lessons I learned was how much perception matters. Numbers tell a story, but if you don’t control the narrative, others will fill in the gaps—and not always in your favor.
For example, the average time between seed and Series A is around 25 months. If you raise faster, some investors might assume you ran out of money. If you take longer, they might think you’re struggling. That’s why it’s so important to frame your story in a way that highlights your momentum and vision.
At RAD Security, we didn’t just talk about where we were. We focused on where we were going. Every conversation with investors was about showing how our early traction was just the beginning of something much bigger.
Build the Right Team
This isn’t a journey that you can do alone! I’ve been incredibly lucky to have an amazing co-founder and team who bring expertise, passion, and a shared commitment to our mission.
Investors don’t just invest in companies. They invest in people. Your team’s experience, chemistry, and execution are just as important as your metrics. Highlight their contributions and don’t be afraid to brag about how awesome they are (even if, like me, you’re bad at bragging about yourself).
Celebrate the Wins
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably so focused on what’s next that you forget to pause and celebrate what you’ve already accomplished. But taking a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come is good for your team. And it’s good for you, too.
Raising Series A funding is a big deal. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do, and it’s proof that even when the odds are stacked against us, we can still win.
A Few Takeaways for Founders
- Traction matters most. Focus on revenue, customer acquisition, and retention. These are the metrics that get investors’ attention.
- Own your story. Be intentional about how you present your journey and address any assumptions head-on.
- Lean on your team. Your people are your greatest asset. Celebrate them, highlight their wins, and build a team that can weather the tough moments with you.
- Find your people. Whether it’s mentors, peers, or other founders, having a support system makes all the difference.
Raising a Series A isn’t the end of the journey; it’s the start of a new chapter. If you’re a founder out there trying to make the leap, know this: it’s hard, but it’s possible. Stay focused on your goals, embrace the challenges, and don’t forget to celebrate the wins along the way. Because if I’ve learned one thing, it’s this: no matter how tough the odds, nothing is out of reach when you’re relentless in your pursuit.
