From $30MM in Capital Raised...to Nothing...and then a Comeback, with Amy Nelson Founder of The Riveter

“We had to shut down tons of parts of the business, and that was work. So, I kind of leaned into the work. I had to lean into the work of what The Riveter needed to do,” says Amy Nelson. Amy’s business was founded in 2017 to create an inclusive community space for women. Despite rapid growth and raising $30 million in venture capital, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Amy to shut down coworking spaces and pivot the business model. She openly shares the emotional and financial toll of layoffs in the business, amid very public and complex legal battles that involved Amy’s husband and Amazon.

Through perseverance, Amy reimagined The Riveter to focus on digital events, newsletters, and mentorship programs to find impact through reinvention. Amy’s conversation with Lindsay highlights the impact of community and staying true to one’s mission, even in the face of extreme adversity. 

Quotes

“When I was going through hell, I found a community in my own hell. What I mean by that is, just like when The Riveter was scaling, I built a community around other women raising money who were in similar situations. When everything went to hell, I found people who were in the same spot, I made friendships, sought advice, and found someone to talk to.” (25:16 | Amy Nelson) “I decided to do what I was good at, which is help women through pivots, and just share with them every single piece of knowledge I have gathered along the way. Because not only have I lived the pivot, but I have studied everything about how we do this, and how we build an audience, and how we share our story. And I have built an incredible network of incredible women.” (27:32 | Amy Nelson) “I am a collector of people and I am constantly seeking out people to talk to. When I want to understand something, I go to the experts. And I do that in all areas of my life.” (30:20 | Amy Nelson) “Do not be afraid of failing, embrace it. Because if you aren’t failing, you’re just not thinking big enough. Failure is okay. Go pick up the pieces and keep going. It would be quite a boring life if you never failed at anything.” (36:48 | Amy Nelson) 

Connect with Amy Nelson:

http://www.instagram.com/amy_k_nelson

http://www.instagram.com/theriveterco

Grab Lindsay's Partnership Blueprint for Small Business: https://stan.store/lindsaypinchuk/p/get-your-ebook-now-the-partnership-blueprint

Connect with Lindsay Pinchuk and Dear FoundHer.

Grab Lindsay’s JumpStart Your Business Blueprint:

https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/11stepsforbusiness

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