Meet Sarah Anto, the Female Founders Strategist behind FundHER, an accelerator program helping women in tech secure the capital they need to bring their ideas to life.
Sarah’s path to launching FundHER was shaped by her own experiences in the demanding world of consulting. It was during this time that she realized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health—lessons she now passes on to her clients. Her mission is clear: to close the gender gap in venture capital by equipping women with the resources and confidence to secure funding without compromising their vision.
During our conversation, Sarah shared the core values that guide FundHER, her strategies for navigating burnout, and the most important lessons she’s learned during her entrepreneurial journey.
What is the underlying mission of FundHER? How does your work make a difference in people’s lives?
The mission of my work is to get women founders funded so they can build groundbreaking technology that positively impacts the world. By closing the gender gap in venture capital, I empower female entrepreneurs to bring their innovative ideas to life. My goal is to make sure that these women not only have access to funding but also feel supported throughout their journey, knowing that they don’t have to compromise their vision or values to succeed.
What core values guide FundHER? How do these principles reflect your personal values and how do they influence your leadership?
The core values that guide my business are authenticity, respect, openness, and alignment. These principles reflect my belief that founders should always remain true to themselves and their mission, even in the face of investor pressure. I encourage my clients to seek investors who align with their values and goals, rather than compromising themselves to please external stakeholders. As a leader, I foster an environment where women feel empowered to stand firm in their vision and make decisions that resonate with their true purpose.
Beyond financial success, what metrics or indicators do you track to ensure that your business growth aligns with your values?
I track the emotional well-being of my clients and the amount of stress I’m able to alleviate from their fundraising process. If my clients feel less overwhelmed and more empowered by the support they receive, I know my business is aligned with its mission. Ensuring that founders stay mentally healthy and balanced while navigating the complexities of fundraising is as important to me as their financial success.
“Ensuring that founders stay mentally healthy and balanced while navigating the complexities of fundraising is as important to me as their financial success.”
Can you share a time when you struggled with burnout or stress? What steps or practices helped you regain your balance and well-being?
After six years in consulting as an auditor, I faced severe burnout. I was working in the U.S., putting in 80- to 100-hour weeks, and completely neglecting my mental and physical health. I realized that I had poor boundaries and that no one else would set them for me. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on rebuilding my health and establishing clear boundaries between my work and personal life. This experience taught me the importance of self-care as an entrepreneur. I now know when to ask for help and delegate, both at work and in my personal life, to avoid burning out again.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Put yourself out there. Whether it’s launching your product, posting about your progress on social media, or attending a conference you’ve been dreaming of, taking that first leap is crucial. There’s no perfect moment, so don’t wait for it. The sooner you share your ideas with the world, the sooner you’ll get the feedback, connections, and opportunities you need to grow.
Sarah 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.