Naturaz, Founder Mumbi Dunjwa, Fall Forward, CEO and Founder Alan Rihm, & Glitter, Founder Morgan Berman | PACT Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference 2024 | Founding Philly Ep. 47

This episode is sponsored by PACT. 

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In this episode of Founding Philly, I moderated the Entrepreneur Panel at the PACT Capital Conference, featuring a deep dive with Mumbi Dunjwa, Alan Rihm, and Morgan Berman into their startup journeys in Philadelphia. We explored the crucial early lessons that have shaped their ventures.

Mumbi Dunjwa of Naturaz discussed her approach to hair care products, emphasizing the critical role of customer feedback in refining her offerings. By integrating direct responses from users, she ensures her products not only meet market demands but also stay competitive.

Alan Rihm from Fall Forward shared his insights on the dangers of premature scaling. He stressed the importance of securing product-market fit before ramping up operations, advocating for a strategy that minimizes risk while ensuring the business model's sustainability.

Morgan Berman of Glitter outlined her pivot from relying on city contracts to spearheading a community-driven cleanup initiative. This shift underscores the importance of adaptability in startup culture, demonstrating how responsiveness to market and environmental changes can realign a business closer to customer needs.

The panelists collectively highlighted the supportive Philadelphia startup ecosystem, which offers access to funding, advisory services, and a community conducive to growth. They shared strategies on capital utilization, leveraging local networks, and adopting community-focused business models.

Tune in to hear insights from these local entrepreneurs on navigating the intricacies of startup growth, leveraging a supportive ecosystem, and making strategic decisions that foster early success.