sarah dusek

In this inspiring episode of the InvestHer Podcast, your host Anne Ravanona delves into the incredible journey of Sarah Dusek, co-founder of Under Canvas and Enygma Ventures. From experiencing a significant business failure to selling a business for $100 million and becoming a venture capitalist focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa, Sarah's story is nothing short of remarkable. Join us as Sarah shares her insights on entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and the power of believing in your vision. Get the links to the resources mentioned in this episode and learn more in the Show Notes here; https://bit.ly/InvestHerPodcastEp43SarahDusekEnygmaVentures 

Sarah Dusek and her husband started Under Canvass, which offered large-scale tented hotels (think “glamping”) outside national parks around the U.S.

The business got off to a successful start, and within five years, Dusek had four locations, which were collectively generating $3 million in EBITDA. Rather than sit still, Dusek decided she wanted to grow much larger and raised $16 million of capital made up of a combination of equity and mezzanine debt at a rate of 13%, which Dusek personally guaranteed.

The stress of having her entire net worth tied to her business eventually caught up to Dusek, and she decided to sell a majority stake of her business to a private equity group (KSL Capital). Dusek rolled 25% of her equity and stayed on as CEO. By the time she stepped down from her leadership role, Under Canvass was worth more than $100 million.

Sarah Dusek built her glamping company Under Canvas and exited with its sale of over $100 million. From her own experiences struggling as a female founder to get venture capital funding, and then learning that women entrepreneurs only receive 2% of all available funding each year, Sarah launched Enygma Ventures, a VC fund focused on investing in women-led businesses in Southern Africa. Enygma has now invested tens of millions of dollars in over 20 companies, and Sarah also helps women learn the ropes of getting funded. Listen today to learn the secrets of raising investment for your company, what holds women back, and join the conversation by following Wings of Inspired Business on the free and socially interactive Podopolo app, where Sarah and will answer questions. Download Podopolo here and invite your friends to connect around podcasts recommended to you by what interests and inspires you.