Betsy Fore, Velveteen Ventures: From $50K Grant to Raising Millions and Becoming a Bestselling Author

‍"The most important relationship you'll ever have is with yourself. More than your investors, your partners, even your co-founders — it starts there."

In this episode, Betsy Fore shares her remarkable journey from first-generation college graduate and toy inventor to serial founder, venture capitalist, and nonprofit leader — all driven by an unwavering belief in the power of "why not me?" As the founder of Tiny Organics, which generated over $13 million in revenue in its first 24 months, and now managing partner of Velveteen Ventures, Betsy has built, scaled, and fundraised across multiple industries while breaking barriers as the first Native American woman to raise a Series A round.

But her story doesn't stop there.

Betsy opens up about the burnout that forced her to do the inner work, the mindset practices that rewired how she leads, and the Indigenous values of reciprocity and humility that have quietly shaped every business decision she's ever made. From pitching in front of the co-founder of Square to launching a nonprofit community for Native technologists and founders, she reveals what it really takes to stay in the ring — and why the founder who succeeds is often the one who simply refused to quit.

What We Talked About:

• Tiny Organics: $13M in 24 months 5:52
• Angel vs. venture capital funding 21:25
• How to pitch your three whys 31:24
• Burning out and bouncing back 35:57
• Natives Rising and Velveteen Ventures 31:24

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Connect with Betsy:
@betsyfore on Instagram 

Betsy Fore on LinkedIn

Buy Built on Purpose
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Resources mentioned:

Framer

Willow

Granola

Joy

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