Leveraging Proof-of-Concept to Raise Money for Your Business with Steven Sashen - EP21

What is the best way to ask for money to bring your vision to life?Steven Sashen suggests that the first step is to prove your concept. Rather than telling investors about your idea, show them that it works.Steven is Cofounder and CEO of Xero Shoes, a company that has helped hundreds of thousands of people Live Feet First with happy, healthy, strong feet in addictively comfortable footwear.A serial entrepreneur, former professional standup comic and competitive sprinter, Steven and his wife, Lena Phoneix, built Xero Shoes to promote the fun and freedom of natural movement.On this episode of Leading Visionaries, Steven joins Anjel to share his experiences raising money from friends and family, venture capital firms and equity crowdfunding.Steven explains how his running injuries inspired the creation of Xero Shoes and describes how the company has grown from a team of two to 82.Listen in for Steven’s insight on the challenge of finding a mentor when you’re charting new territory and learn how to leverage proof-of-concept to raise capital for your business.What You Will Learn Why it never occurred to Steven to get a 9-to-5 jobWhy Steven suggests proving your concept first and then asking for moneyHow Xero Shoes raised over $1M in an equity crowdfunding raiseWhy being conscious of who you want to partner with helps you attract investorsHow Steven’s running injuries inspired Xero ShoesThe natural movement experience Xero Shoes provide their customersHow Steven and his wife went from a team of 2 to 82The challenge of finding a mentor when no one has done what you’re doingWhy it’s tricky to get people to unbelieve anythingHow Steven knows it’s time to create the next thingConnect with Steven SashenXero ShoesResourcesXero Shoes on How I Built ThisBe Heard by Millions and Live Your Destiny: A Creative Age Leader’s Guide to Speak, Sell, Serve & Succeed by Anjel B. HartwellConnect with Anjel B. Hartwell Leading Visionaries PodcastJoin the Leading Visionaries CommunityMake a Donation to Support the ShowCreative Age Consulting GroupAnjel on XAnjel on Instagram