Solo Founder Diana Heldfond Raised $29M to Transform EdTech for Special Needs Children
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Diana Heldfond: From Dyslexia Diagnosis at 7 to Raising $29M Solo to Transform Special Education Delivery
We're thrilled to have Diana Heldfond, the solo founder and CEO of Parallel, join us in this episode. Parallel is a cutting-edge virtual care platform focused on aiding children with learning and thinking challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD. Under Diana’s leadership, Parallel has raised over $29 million and now works with numerous school districts across the US, integrating healthcare and education through innovative technology to provide tailored and effective support.
Diana discusses the unique challenges and strategies of fundraising as a solo founder. She talks about how she cultivated early relationships with investors, crafted compelling narratives to manage fundraising timelines effectively, and faced investor rejections head-on. Her strategy shows how crucial it is to be resilient and plan ahead when getting funding alone, without a co-founder.
Here's what you're in for:
- 00:29 - The mission and vision behind Parallel
- 02:06 - Diana’s personal motivation for founding Parallel
- 06:10 - Challenges and triumphs of being a solo founder
- 09:03 - The strategic decision not to wait for a co-founder
- 16:03 - Managing both fundraising and company leadership
- 24:35 - Key performance indicators that attract investors
- 40:47 - Understanding the process of fundraising and handling rejection
ABOUT DIANA HELDFOND
Diana Heldfond is the visionary founder and CEO of Parallel, an innovative virtual care platform transforming the delivery of educational and healthcare services. With a background in business and finance, Diana combines her personal experiences and professional expertise to lead Parallel in enhancing educational outcomes for children across America. Her leadership and persistence have not only propelled the company through significant growth phases but also positioned it as a leader in the intersection of tech, education, and healthcare.
Connect with Diana on:
Linkedin: /diana-heldfond
Instagram: dheldfond
X: @DHeldfond
Company Website: https://www.parallellearning.com
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