When you’re raising capital, visibility isn’t vanity — it’s leverage.

When Kate was raising for Loba, she kept hearing the same thing: “You’re everywhere.” But behind that perception wasn’t a big budget — it was a strategic (and relentless) push for visibility.

In this episode, Kate sits down with PR strategist Sarah Mawji of Venture Strategies to unpack what actually goes into building that kind of momentum during a fundraise.

Using Loba as a case study, they break down:

• The PR and media strategies that helped build credibility without a big spend
• How to use earned media to get in front of the right investors
• Why smaller publications can sometimes drive more results than major headlines
• And what founders should be doing before they start raising

But this conversation goes beyond strategy.

Kate also shares the side of fundraising that rarely gets talked about:

• Taking investor meetings while postpartum and running on adrenaline
• The pressure to constantly be “on” — pitching, posting, showing up
• Being told to get out there and network… while navigating inappropriate behavior and wasted meetings
• And the reality that you can be “everywhere” — and still not close the round

They also talk about burnout, visibility fatigue, and the mental toll of building in public, alongside the unexpected upside: confidence, clarity, and growth.

This is a candid, unfiltered look at what it really takes to build visibility as a founder, especially when the playing field isn’t even.

If you’re preparing for a raise, in the middle of one, or reflecting on the process, this episode will give you both the strategy and the reality check.

Connect with Sarah Mawji / Venture Strategies:

LinkedIn

Instagram

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KEYWORDS:

female founders, raising capital, startup fundraising, venture capital, PR strategy, public relations for startups, earned media, founder visibility, personal branding for founders, startup marketing strategy, building in public, investor relations, media strategy, thought leadership, startup growth, early stage startups, seed round fundraising, women in business, female entrepreneurs, founder journey, startup storytelling, brand strategy, visibility marketing, networking for founders, pitch strategy, investor outreach, startup PR, media coverage, founder burnout, entrepreneurship podcast

In this solo episode of Branded Assets, Kate breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in business: that your logo = your brand.

After 15 years in marketing and eight years running her own agency, Kate shares why so many founders skip strategy, jump straight to visuals, and end up building brands on vibes instead of clarity. From what she calls the “canvification of brands” to logos made in Microsoft Word, this episode is a candid look at what happens when convenience replaces intention.

You’ll learn:

• What a brand is not Why brand strategy is a strategic asset, not a nice-to-have
• How a strong brand makes hiring, partnerships, marketing, and scaling easier
• The real difference between brand strategy and visual identity
• Why skipping this work early will cost you more later

Kate also answers a community question: “If I have a product idea, where the heck do I even start?”

She walks through her own early-stage approach, from validating market demand and defining the problem to researching materials, manufacturing, and competitive positioning. If you’re sitting on an idea and feeling overwhelmed, this section is for you.

Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or creative building something new, this episode is a reminder that your brand is the emotional connection people form with you over time. And that connection starts with clarity, not Canva.

If you’re interested in joining the waitlist for Kate’s upcoming Brand Strategy Workbook, visit armaturecollective.com and scroll to “Get the Brand Workbook.”

Subscribe, leave a review, and share your biggest takeaway. The early support for Branded Assets means more than you know.

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LINKS:

Join the Branded Assets community on Instagram

Read the Branded Assets Substack

Follow Kate on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

Join the Brand Strategy Workbook waitlist at armaturecollective.com

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS:

Get 20% off Skin Edition with code BRANDEDASSETS at shopskinedition.ca

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Keywords:

Branded Assets podcast, brand strategy, building a brand, brand vs logo, visual identity, Canva branding, small business branding, marketing strategy, business growth, brand positioning, intentional branding, brand assets, startup branding, founder tips, product launch strategy, brand workbook, Armature Collective, business strategy, marketing for entrepreneurs, branding mistakes, developing a brand

What does it really mean to be “rich” in 2026?

In this episode of Rich Girl Rundown, Kate Bouchard and Ada Slivinski break down the biggest stories shaping business, brand, and culture right now—from a $125M funding round to a marketing controversy that refuses to stay in the past.

They cover:

• Kindred’s $125M raise and the rise of home swapping as consumers shift from ownership to access
• Frida’s resurfaced marketing controversy and what it reveals about brand longevity, cultural shifts, and crisis response
• The rise of experiential retail — from Aritzia’s massive new Vancouver flagship to Netflix’s move into real-world “Netflix House” experiences Why brands are investing in IRL experiences as digital fatigue hits a tipping point
• Plus, in their “brands we’re watching” segment: The risks and rise of prediction markets like Polymarket And why MrBeast entering financial services might signal a much bigger shift

This episode explores the intersection of consumer behaviour, brand strategy, and cultural power—and what it all means for the future of business.

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Follow & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow Branded Assets on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and share it with someone who’s building, investing, or simply paying attention.

_________________

LINKS:

Join the Branded Assets community on Instagram

Read the Branded Assets Substack

Follow Kate on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

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Keywords:

experience economy 2026, experiential retail, Kindred home swapping, Airbnb alternative, Frida Baby controversy, brand marketing controversy, crisis management brands, Netflix House, Aritzia flagship store Vancouver, retail trends 2026, consumer behavior trends, access over ownership, prediction markets, Polymarket explained, future of travel, brand strategy podcast, marketing trends podcast, business news podcast, female founders startup funding, venture capital trends, digital vs physical retail, cultural trends business, brand storytelling, modern marketing strategies