Taryn Jones Laeben on Bridging Founders and Investors for Startup Success

Entreprenista

“So many of us, me included, suffer from imposter syndrome. And it's so misleading because we know so much more than we think we do—and more importantly, we know how to navigate what we don't know.”

In this episode of Entreprenista, we sat down with Taryn Jones Laeben, president and founder of IRL Ventures, a bespoke early-stage advisory and investment firm focused on building operational excellence into startups. With a rich career spanning roles at companies like Kate Spade, Casper, and SoulCycle, Taryn has a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving growth. Her entrepreneurial journey began later in life, inspired by her parents’ real estate ventures and her extensive experience in the consumer and wellness sectors. At IRL Ventures, Taryn leverages her expertise to support and invest in mission-driven startups. She is passionate about empowering founders and unlocking rapid growth for innovative companies. Tune in to hear what Taryn has to say about overcoming imposter syndrome, her advice on starting conversations with major retailers, and her experience launching brands with IRL Ventures.

We talked about:

• Inheriting a knack for entrepreneurship (02:35)
• Taking on a position you may not qualify for on paper (12:25)
• Building a marketing strategy for Casper mattresses (19:27)
• Working to build a company when raising more capital isn’t an option (27:53)
• The type of founder that fits the bill for IRL Ventures (32:13)

Connect with Taryn:

• IRL Ventures
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

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