Why are founders struggling to raise capital while investors claim there aren’t enough startups worth funding? Is the old system still working, or is it time to rethink how we support and fund innovation?

In this episode of The Business Ramble, Sara and Amber take a hard look at whether the innovation support system itself needs to evolve. Have accelerators, incubators, and traditional funding pipelines kept up with the changing landscape, or are we trying to force startups and investors into an outdated model?

They also discuss the difference between innovating and simply updating—and why it matters when it comes to attracting investment. Plus, they share insights on what founders, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem can do to bridge this growing gap.

If you’re a founder, investor, or part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Listen Now:

🔹 YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL466D2ZnijgAPSr8LzL25-h7Q-3OtwmYp

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zh2M3SvpAhghfXBkrbMDq

🔹 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-ramble/id1780114704

🔹 Other Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-business-ramble/

Hosts:

🔹 Sara Brown

🔹 Amber Hamilton

Our Company:

🔹 RedwoodRISE Ventures

What does it take to stand out as a female founder—and as a founder of color?

In this episode of The Business Ramble, we’re joined by the incredible Nikita Devlin, cofounder of RIC, a community insurance product provider that’s redefining the industry.

Nikita shares her journey of stepping into spaces where she doesn’t always look like everyone else, the power of authenticity, and how she’s embraced standing out to drive change and innovation. From lessons learned to advice for other entrepreneurs, this conversation is a must-listen for any woman navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Hosts:

Sara Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabrown101/

Amber Hamilton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hamilton/

Our Company: www.redwoodrise.com

Guest:

Nakita Devlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakita-devlin-38155916/

Website: https://www.helloric.com/

Catch all the episodes here:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL466D2ZnijgAPSr8LzL25-h7Q-3OtwmYp

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zh2M3SvpAhghfXBkrbMDq

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-ramble/id1780114704

Other Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-business-ramble/

In this episode of The Business Ramble, we continue the conversation on building trust in business partnerships. Sara and Amber explore the complexities of power dynamics, from ensuring every partner’s voice is heard to balancing ownership and leadership roles. They share real-world insights, practical advice, and personal anecdotes on fostering mutual respect, setting clear expectations, and building partnerships that thrive. Whether you’re forming a new business or navigating an existing one, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you strengthen your professional relationships. Tune in and take your partnerships to the next level!

Sara Brown : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabrown101/

Amber Hamilton : https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hamilton/

Our Company: www.redwoodrise.com

Youtube: @TheBuinessRamble

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zh2M3SvpAhghfXBkrbMDq?si=1ed432c1e90b4634

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-ramble/id1780114704

Voxer App: Voxer.com

In our first episode of The Business Ramble, we explore the foundation of successful business partnerships: trust. Sara shares a conversation that sparked a deep dive into what it takes to build and sustain trust in partnerships, from setting boundaries and defining roles to navigating power imbalances. We discuss the distinction between ownership and leadership, and how to ensure all partners have a meaningful voice. Tune in for insights on fostering trust and collaboration in your business relationships.

Sara Brown : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabrown101/

Amber Hamilton : https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hamilton/

www.redwoodrise.com

Youtube: @TheBuinessRamble

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zh2M3SvpAhghfXBkrbMDq?si=1ed432c1e90b4634