Sarah Morgan

Ash Read spent years trying to become a software founder. But it was the content business he built that played to his core strengths — and led to a successful acquisition.

A diplomat stuck stateside started tutoring on the side. She built a 7-figure business, then sold it when the pandemic changed the online landscape for test prep.

Two digital nomads created a platform they needed themselves. Moonlight paired developers with businesses that needed them. When the pandemic hit, they decided to sell.

When funding dries up, an acquihire can be a good option. That approach worked for this founder, who sold her marketplace for freelancers to a buyer in her network.

Hayley Sperling and Sam Hoisington built the local Madison, Wisconsin newsletter they wanted to read — and partnered with a national news brand that eventually acquired them.

“I was definitely building the plane as I was flying it,” said Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, the founder of Colorado In-Home Counseling.

“I was able to build a 6-figure business putting absolutely no money into marketing,” Whitmore said, “because I leaned into social media as a valid marketing channel.”

“I have seen so many women close their businesses down lately,” Christina Scalera said. “I just wish more people, especially women, knew that there was an alternative option.”