From 200 No's to $1M ARR: Natalie Barbu on Rella's Pivot, Fundraising, and Growth

I’m joined by Natalie Barbu, CEO and co-founder of Rella, to unpack how her team went from 200 no’s to raising $1M and reaching $1M ARR. We get into the unfiltered truths of starting a tech company without a coding background, nearly running out of money, and the viral video that turned it around!We discuss: How Natalie spotted the gap in creator/social workflow toolsThe step-by-step path from creator to tech founder (without writing code)How she found, tested, and committed to the right co-foundersSurviving 200 investor rejections and landing the first yesThe storytelling pitch that resonated with early-stage VCsWhy Rella pivoted to businesses, and how they executed the rebuildThe viral video that spiked trials (and what they did next)How to balance fundraising with running the companyTactical resources for first-time fundraisers and operatorsRESOURCES MENTIONED → GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ Try Rella: https://getrella.com/ Use our code "CONFESSIONS" for 15% off → The Startup Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startup-podcast/id913805339→ The Pitch Podcast: https://www.thepitch.show/LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ CONNECT WITH NATALIE→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieBarbu→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliebarbuSTART YOUR BUSINESS→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb→ Define your version of success and build a blueprint to achieve it inside the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmapSCALE YOUR BUSINESS→ Free GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_ → Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consulting TIMESTAMPS00:00 Highlights02:33 Welcome and Introduction02:52 Starting Rella04:55 The Journey to Becoming a Tech Founder05:53 Finding the Right Development Team06:47 Co-Founder Dynamics09:38 Balancing Content Creation and Startup Life10:36 Consistency in Content Creation13:35 Fundraising Journey14:30 Learning the Fundraising Process15:54 Resources for Aspiring Founders17:52 Friends and Family Round19:18 Navigating the VC Round22:00 The Power of Networking and Persistence27:30 Handling Closed Rounds Respectfully28:22 The Importance of Storytelling in Fundraising29:11 Crafting a Compelling Pitch31:42 The Decision to Pivot32:52 Rebuilding and Relaunching Rella33:55 The Viral Video That Changed Everything37:10 Managing Growth After Going Viral39:11 The Power of Content Creation for Founders40:20 Balancing Personal and Business Content42:12 Navigating Transparency and Privacy43:30 Revamping the Podcast45:08 Daily Routines and Personal Insights46:47 Best and Worst Advice for Founders

Most founders think a go-to-market strategy is just a launch plan or a marketing campaign — but it’s so much more than that. In this episode, I break down what a true GTM strategy is, why it’s the difference between a product that flops and one that takes off, and how you can create a winning plan that drives real traction.I share:What a go-to-market strategy actually includes (beyond marketing)The key lessons I learned from launching a multimillion-dollar product in corporateHow to identify your ideal customer and their biggest pain pointsWhy you shouldn’t overbuild your product before launchHow to nail your positioning, distribution, and sales funnel for successRESOURCE MENTIONED → GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentialsSTART YOUR BUSINESS→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb→ Define your version of success and build a blueprint to achieve it inside the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmapSCALE YOUR BUSINESS→ Free GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_ → Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consulting LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com  → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho  → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ TIMESTAMPS00:28 Common Misconceptions01:26 Importance of Pre-Launch Work01:47 Corporate GTM Story02:05 Understanding Your Target Customer03:07 Strategic Distribution Plan05:06 Defining GTM05:46 Identifying Your Ideal Customer07:24 Market Research Essentials10:03 Prototyping and Testing10:49 The 80/20 Rule in Product Development13:29 Importance of Positioning14:27 Effective Distribution Strategies15:14 Sales Funnel 

I interview Daniel Samosir Botcherby, the Co-Founder & CEO of Kalda, a digital mental health platform created to support the LGBTQIA+ community in this episode. We dive into the personal story that inspired Kalda, the challenges of building a mission-driven startup, and the realities of raising capital while staying true to social impact values.We discuss:His personal experiences that led to the creation of KaldaThe tension between social impact and the traditional VC fundraising modelHow to decide how much to raise and avoid over-dilution in early roundsKey lessons on finding product-market fit and balancing growth with careRESOURCES → GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ GTM Consulting: https://selinaho.com/consulting→ Client Session With Dan: https://youtu.be/kiRVGvtLE8ILET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ CONNECT WITH DAN→ Kalda: https://www.kalda.co → Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbotcherby START YOUR BUSINESS→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb→ Define your version of success and build a blueprint to achieve it inside the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmapSCALE YOUR BUSINESS→ Free GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_ → Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consulting TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:32 Free GTM Essentials Course03:35 Dan's Journey07:33 The Importance of Safe Spaces07:43 Building a Business Builds You08:21 Fundraising for Kalda09:19 Balancing VC Ambitions with Social Impact09:58 Navigating the VC Model10:32 Finding the Right Investors11:26 Laying the Foundation for Growth11:54 The Importance of Product Market Fit11:58 Deciding How Much to Raise14:12 Avoiding Overvaluation and Dilution16:37 UK vs. US Fundraising Markets17:50 The Challenge of Fundraising and Building18:24 Getting Your First Investors20:08 The Role of Accelerators and Community21:06 Choosing the Right Investors24:56 Guiding Principles for Fundraising26:10 The Importance of Speed in Fundraising26:51 Setting Your Terms and Valuation27:36 Creating Urgency to Close the Round27:51 The Power of Walking Away28:22 Maintaining Confidence as a Founder28:59 The Journey of a First-Time Founder29:27 The Role of a CEO in a Venture-Backed Startup30:12 Balancing Personal Challenges and Fundraising30:35 Support from Investors and Friends31:36 Navigating Grief and Fundraising32:08 The Importance of Clear Goals33:11 Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout33:34 Creating Systems for Fundraising33:55 The Challenge of Fundraising Alone35:40 Prioritizing Business Goals37:52 The Problem Kalda is Solving39:31 The Cost of Private Therapy41:48 The Importance of a Scalable Solution42:21 Simplifying the Product43:02 Lessons in Marketing and Branding43:45 Reevaluating the Business Model47:32 Final Reflections and Advice

In this episode, I take you inside a real GTM strategy session I ran for my client Dan, the Founder of Kalda. We unpacked his monetization options, refined his sales funnel, and aligned his brand so everything works together to drive sustainable growth. You’ll hear how we balanced big-picture strategy with tactical execution, and how I built him a roadmap to follow for the next year.I share:How to identify and validate different monetization modelsA simple but powerful sales funnel framework you can useWhy branding and positioning are just as important as revenue strategiesRESOURCES MENTIONED → GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consulting START YOUR BUSINESS→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb→ Define your version of success and build a blueprint to achieve it inside the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmapSCALE YOUR BUSINESS→ Free GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_ → Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consulting LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ TIMESTAMPS00:26 Sales and Marketing Strategy00:42 Understanding the Customer and End User01:07 Monetization Strategies01:45 Privacy and Safety Concerns02:11 Balancing Accessibility and Sustainability02:26 Charging the End User02:41 Exploring Gifting and Sponsorship03:02 Community Support 05:26 The Importance of Community05:41 Building a Strong Community06:05 Offline Touchpoints and Meetups07:40 Sales Funnel Overview09:39 Traffic and Lead Gen10:12 Optimizing SEO and Website Visits11:07 Social Media and Referrals11:41 Trusted Authority Referrals13:29 Nurturing and Building Trust14:13 Digital and In-Person Engagement15:02 Conversion Strategies18:09 Brand Building

This podcast pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a purpose-driven business that aligns with your values, sustains your lifestyle, and actually makes money. Join business advisor Selina Ho for unfiltered insights, behind-the-scenes lessons, and honest conversations with visionary founders who are redefining success. From profitable product development to intentional scaling and funding — it’s the real talk every conscious entrepreneur needs. Tune in weekly to get inspired, sustainably grow, and achieve your version of success!

Ever wonder what it really takes to become an “overnight success”? In this candid conversation with Stephanie Melodia, we unpack the truth behind the myth — from the years of work no one sees, to the role of money, luck, and confidence in building a thriving business. Steph shares her personal journey, powerful money mindset shifts, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up, even when the results aren’t instant.We share:Why “overnight success” is a misleading myth (and what’s actually behind it)The role money plays in creating freedom and opportunitiesHow luck really works — and how to stack the odds in your favourBuilding lasting confidence through action and evidenceThe hidden long game behind public speaking and big opportunitiesPractical tips for women to shift from scarcity to abundance with moneyRESOURCES MENTIONED → GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki→ The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel→ The Curve https://thecurveplatform.com/ → Female Invest https://www.femaleinvest.com/ → Vestpod https://www.vestpod.com/ LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com  → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho  → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ CONNECT WITH STEPH→ Podcast: Strategy & Tragedy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltJMUZ7C5_A&list=PLlV8JoK2z-iiFOW5Gw-FISA6rvBdR853z → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephmelodia → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmelodia-keynotespeaker START YOUR BUSINESS→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb→ Define your version of success and build a blueprint to achieve it inside the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmapSCALE YOUR BUSINESS→ Free GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_ → Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consultingTIMESTAMPS00:00 Podcast Intro02:11 Free Course GTM Essentials03:34 Welcome Stephanie04:16 Defining Success05:52 Early Money Memories08:58 First Job Struggles 13:28 Money Mindset28:47 The Power of Compound Interest30:48 Creativity Meets Market Need32:23 Building Her First Business33:10 The Unexpected Career Shift33:56 The Role of Luck in Success34:34 Effort vs. Talent35:03 Hacking Luck and Taking Risks37:14 The Reality Behind Success Stories37:41 The Behind-The-Scenes of Public Speaking39:22 First Public Speaking Experience41:17 The Business of Public Speaking42:28 Taking Risks for Opportunities46:22 The Long Road to a Keynote48:59 Managing Expectations49:39 Building Resilience52:19 The Importance of Consistency01:03:26 LinkedIn Strategies01:07:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this impactful interview, I sit down with Dr. Stasa Stankovic, the co-founder & CEO of OvartiX. She's a powerhouse that's leveraging her PhD from Cambridge to pioneer therapeutic solutions to transform women’s reproductive healthWe dive into the real statistics and science behind fertility, IVF, and early menopause — including why ovaries are the fastest-aging organ, how 90% of your eggs may be gone by age 30, and why IVF has only a 25% success rate per cycle.We also discuss the challenges of fundraising as a female founder in women’s health, and how Stasa is building a supportive ecosystem for women through her community, Wealth. Whether you're navigating your own fertility journey or want to better understand the science behind reproductive health, this is a must-listen.We cover:Why ovaries age faster than any other organWhat egg quantity & quality really meansThe limitations of IVF and egg freezingHow stress, sleep, and lifestyle affect your fertilityHormone testing (FSH, LH, AMH) and what to ask forWhat most investors get wrong about women’s healthHow to build community and raise capital as a female founderRESOURCES MENTIONED → GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials START YOUR BUSINESS→ Start a business with the free Build a Sustaining Business program: https://selinaho.com/basb→ Define your version of success and build a blueprint to achieve it inside the free Your Success Roadmap: https://selinaho.com/roadmapSCALE YOUR BUSINESS→ Free GTM Essentials Course: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials → Secure Your Winning GTM Strategy: https://selinaho.com/consultingLET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com  → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho  → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ CONNECT WITH STASA→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stasa-stankovic-93723a137→ WEALTH: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealth-women-in-healthTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro to Women's Health Issues02:02 Stasa's Journey into Healthcare03:34 From Serbia to Cambridge06:01 Understanding Genomic Medicine07:06 The Impact of Genetic Mutations08:41 Reproductive Aging and Women's Health09:42 The Reality of Menopause and Infertility12:56 Preventative Measures for Women's Health14:33 The Role of Hormone Testing18:12 Myths and Realities of IVF & Egg Freezing20:37 The Reality of IVF20:52 The Emotional and Physical Toll of Fertility Treatments21:08 Improving Fertility Solutions21:35 The Importance of Awareness in Fertility21:43 Empowering Women Through Information22:59 The Role of Male Partners in the Fertility Journey24:44 The Power of Advocacy and Support25:19 Perimenopause and Menopause27:46 The Impact of Lifestyle on Menopause Timing28:47 Transgenerational Effects of Diet and Lifestyle30:16 Balancing Stress and Wellness31:14 The Challenges of Fundraising for Women's Health34:03 Building Wealth: Empowering Female Leaders36:52 A Promising Future for Women's Health

Let’s talk about how to sustainably execute everything you’ve planned. Because your strategy is only as strong as your ability to carry it out… without burning out in the process.This GTM Essentials lesson serves as a reminder that you are your business’s greatest asset, and protecting your energy is crucial for long-term growth.I cover:Why “doing more” doesn’t equal progressHow to shift from reactive to intentional executionWhat it looks like to lead your business like a high-performance athleteHow to implement CEO strategy days, build a self-care menu, and prevent burnoutThe 3Ds framework: Delete, Delay, or DelegateADDITIONAL RESOURCES → Download the GTM Essentials Notion Workbook: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ The Complete GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-01GTm7NWQ&list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com  → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho  → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ P.S. Learning a lot from this free GTM Essentials course? It would mean the world to me if you shared it with a fellow entrepreneur 🤍

A successful launch isn’t just a single moment — it’s a carefully planned strategy.In this GTM Essentials lesson, I’m walking you through how to launch a new product, feature, or category with intention, from pre-launch hype to post-launch analysis. You’ll learn how to set clear goals, track the right metrics, and avoid the “one-and-done” launch mistake most founders make.We’ll cover:The difference between a launch and a full go-to-market strategyHow to plan your pre-launch, launch week, and post-launch phasesThe key KPIs to track for successWhy you need a centralized launch plan (and what to include in it)How to avoid burnout and ensure you have the right resources to executeADDITIONAL RESOURCES → Download the GTM Essentials Notion Workbook: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ The Complete GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-01GTm7NWQ&list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ P.S. Learning a lot from this free GTM Essentials course? It would mean the world to me if you shared it with a fellow entrepreneur 🤍

Your business doesn’t need more followers — it needs a community.In this GTM Essentials lesson, you’ll learn how to turn passive followers into an engaged, loyal community that buys from you, tells their friends, and sticks around for the long haul.I cover:The difference between an audience and a true communityWhy engagement matters more than follower countHow to build a loyal community without spending a dime on adsReal examples of unscalable but powerful community-building tacticsA challenge to help you build deeper relationships with your audience this weekADDITIONAL RESOURCES → Download the GTM Essentials Notion Workbook: https://selinaho.com/gtm-essentials→ The Complete GTM Essentials Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-01GTm7NWQ&list=PLoxqvwU4q36bTLn_CVAaeyHPd2bjxIEz_LET’S CONNECT→ Newsletter: https://ceo-confessions.beehiiv.com  → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinaho  → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinajho   → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selinajho_ P.S. Learning a lot from this free GTM Essentials course? It would mean the world to me if you shared it with a fellow entrepreneur 🤍