Ila Corcoran grew up in an unpredictable world. But one thing was always clear: resilience wins. She worked hard to build her own solid financial foundation—and when she got one, she wanted to do more. That’s how Sengo came to life.
Sengo isn’t just about access to funding and resources, though it remains true to Ila’s mission by facilitating opportunities designed to support equity and ownership every day. It’s also proof that financial stability shouldn’t be a privilege; and that when more people succeed, we all win.
We caught up with Ila to talk about her journey, the power of financial opportunity, and how Sengo is changing the game for underrepresented founders.
What is the underlying mission of your business? How does your work make a difference in people’s lives?
Sengo’s mission is to democratize access to funding, enabling unaccredited investors to participate in private markets and support diverse founders. This mission is deeply personal, driven by the belief that financial equity can transform lives. We’ve witnessed this impact through portfolio companies like Boheme Retreats, an organization that creates inclusive outdoor experiences by bringing BIPOC campers into unique, retrofitted spaces for rest and rejuvenation. These opportunities are designed to support the retention of equity, ownership, and access to spaces like Boheme. Through crowdfunding and founder memberships, we ensure that consumers become stakeholders in the initiatives they support, promoting shared prosperity and empowering founders to access the funds they need.
How do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship with your physical and emotional health?
As someone who has struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember, I have taken great care in establishing foundational practices that set me up for success in managing the natural stresses of life. It’s really the basics: eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day; managing my caffeine intake; staying hydrated; exercising frequently; and praying daily. I’ve realized that those are the things that fuel my body’s performance on a molecular level, keeping my brain fed and functioning.
With those things in place, I can address the natural anxiety of each day much more easily. I find comfort in the fact that my body is being taken care of, so I can listen more clearly to exactly what my anxiety or stress is telling me when it does arise. It’s like having a child. I’m not a mother (yet), but I understand that most babies cry when they need to be fed, changed, or put to sleep. If a child has not been fed or taken care of, you expect them to fuss and struggle throughout the day. I don’t think as adults we’re much different. We have to make sure our basic needs are met before we can expect ourselves to perform at our highest level.
Can you share a significant life event that profoundly changed your perspective on leadership? How has it inspired the way you lead?
Watching the resilience of my family and community has profoundly shaped my leadership style. Seeing others navigate adversity always exposes me to new perspectives, reiterating the importance of empathy and perseverance within leadership. Facing the Los Angeles fires at the start of 2025—which significantly devastated many communities I know and love dearly—reminded me that impact is not just about driving results. It’s about fostering a supportive and resilient environment where everyone can support each other. Results rely heavily on the roots you sow and the strength of community bonds below the surface.
“Results rely heavily on the roots you sow and the strength of community bonds below the surface.”
What advice would you give to other women wanting to start or grow businesses in an intentional way?
Stay true to your values and build a strong support network. Intentional growth comes from aligning yourself with your core principles; with the practices that keep you strong and healthy (from a business and personal perspective); and by surrounding yourself with people who uplift and challenge you.
Ila is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.