21. Things about Phoenix that blew me away

A sneak peek into what starting the M&A process of your startup looks like. Is anyone taking my calls? Who is helping me? And how do I feel about it all?! This and other reflections from the first few weeks.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not in New York and definitely not crying. Here's how I'm feeling in the aftermath of the big decision to sell my startup. And here's what some people are saying to me about it!Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big decisions! A new city (sort of) and a whole new chapter for me as a founder. Super excited about both. Here are some reasons for why I made these decisions and what happens now.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spent 2 weeks in LA. Got back to Phoenix. Took an important step with my startup. Also had some less exciting developments. If you're a startup founder, you can relate.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've never talked about it publicly. $200 on my account. No savings. My visa running out in 3 weeks. My rent late. They say it's darkest just before the dawn. That's what it felt like. And that's when I learned to get comfortable with chaos.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fundraising isn't about quantity as much as it is about quality. Instead of "spray and pray", I spend 10 minutes vetting each fund. Here's how I decide who to talk to - and who not to waste time on.Shoutout to Eniac Ventures that I used as an example.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their hearts and on their websites they want to invest in visionary startups. But in reality, few investors can identify one. The masses see the reality only after you've built it. But how do you recognize an investor that can actually dream with you?Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two months in the fifth biggest city of America. Getting to know the startup ecosystem, getting surprised by so many things. Phoenix reminds me of another city I know very well..Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apparently two months is a long time to stay in one place. For me. So when an opportunity knocks, you bet I pack my bags and go! Definitely returning back to LA but first a little more adventuring.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've lived in five different countries across three continents. I have beaten the odds of a cold start over and over again. So when I build a startup, you bet I will succeed.Follow me on Instagram: @annaratalaConnect with me on LinkedIn: /annaratalaSpecial thanks to Ryan Hays for the original podcast music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.