A new book aims to revolutionise the landscape for female entrepreneurs seeking investment and business growth. Thinking Bigger by Sarah Dusek, venture capitalist and entrepreneur, provides a comprehensive guide designed to help women build and scale successful businesses while addressing the significant funding gap they face.
Women entrepreneurs currently receive less than 2% of all venture capital annually, highlighting a glaring disparity in access to investment. Thinking Bigger seeks to address this issue by offering practical advice and strategies tailored specifically for women. As co-founder of Enygma Ventures, Dusek has championed underrepresented female founders in Africa, helping them secure venture capital and scale their enterprises. Her new book builds on this experience, providing a valuable resource for women across the globe.
The core of Thinking Bigger is centred around the pitch deck—the fundamental tool for communicating with potential investors. Dusek demystifies the process of creating a compelling pitch deck, a crucial element for attracting venture capital. Drawing from her own experience scaling her startup, Under Canvas, into a multi-million-dollar business, she shares insider tips and practical advice on how to effectively present business ideas and secure funding.
The book also tackles common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including imposter syndrome and a fear of failure. Dusek encourages readers to embrace risk, reframe their perspective on setbacks, and push the boundaries of their own expectations. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions and a useful pitch deck template, making Thinking Bigger not just a guide but a practical tool for entrepreneurs.
Endorsements for the book highlight its significance. Sahar Hashemi, founder of Buy Women Built, praises Dusek’s insights, calling the book a vital resource for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Tahira Dosani, managing partner at ResilienceVC, lauds the book’s practical advice, emphasising the importance of a strong pitch deck in securing capital. Catherine Gray, producer of Show Her the Money and CEO of She Angel Investors, also commends the book for unlocking the secrets to successful venture capital acquisition.
Sarah Dusek, originally from the UK, is a prominent figure in the venture capital field. Besides her role at Enygma Ventures, she co-founded Few & Far, an eco-travel company, and successfully scaled her previous travel business, Under Canvas, to a $100 million valuation. Her investment focus on women-led businesses in southern Africa and her efforts to address wealth disparity underscore her commitment to improving access to capital for female entrepreneurs.
Thinking Bigger is set to become an essential read for women entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex world of venture capital and achieve their business goals.
