In this special compilation episode of So Ambitious, hear directly from founders who have won funding through the Black Ambition Prize — and what it really takes to build, scale, and grow after securing capital. If you are a Black or Brown entrepreneur looking for funding for your startup, this episode is a masterclass in what happens before, during, and after winning a pitch competition. These founders share how they navigated rejection, rebuilt after major setbacks, scaled their businesses, and leveraged access to capital, mentorship, and networks to accelerate growth. From losing everything in a warehouse fire to rebuilding after six-figure losses, from innovating in clean energy and maternal health to disrupting billion-dollar industries, these stories highlight the real journey behind startup funding and business growth. This episode breaks down: What investors look for in founders How to grow after winning funding Lessons learned from the Black Ambition Prize How access to capital and community changes trajectory The emotional resilience required to scale a startup If you’re preparing to apply for the Black Ambition Prize, pitch investors, or raise capital for your business, this episode gives you insight directly from founders who have been there and built through it. This is about funding, scale, representation, and building sustainable companies that solve real-world problems. Most of all, it’s about Black and Brown entrepreneurs who turned opportunity into impact. RESOURCES Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media