Podcast Summary: Founder's Story | Ep 255 with Erika Aquino

Podcast Information:

• Title: Founder's Story
• Host/Author: IBH Media
• Episode: She Was Told to Give Up—Now She Funds the Startups That Change the World | Ep 255 with Erika Aquino
• Release Date: August 7, 2025
• Description: “Founder’s Story” by IBH Media spotlights extraordinary entrepreneurs who lead with purpose. This episode features Erika Aquino, a resilient founder and investor dedicated to funding startups that drive meaningful change.

Introduction

In Episode 255 of Founder's Story, host Erica engages in an inspiring conversation with Erika Aquino, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor. Erika shares her personal journey of overcoming significant challenges, her approach to investing in startups, and her dedication to supporting diverse and impactful ventures.

Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges

Erika Aquino opens up about her profound personal struggles and how they shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.

Erika Aquino [02:28]: "Roughly about eight years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder... I ended up being a victim of cyberbullying... I fell into one relationship a few years ago where I actually became a victim of abuse... but then I had a wonderful support system. I went to therapy, I dealt with those issues, and I came back from it stronger and stronger than ever."

Erika details her diagnosis, the impact of bipolar disorder on her early entrepreneurial endeavors, and the cyberbullying that led to her hospitalization. Despite facing low self-esteem and abusive relationships, Erika leveraged therapy and a robust support system to rebuild her confidence and continue her entrepreneurial journey.

Erika Aquino [04:13]: "Whatever low you're feeling, it's not the end. There is some way out of it. I kept creating. I consulted with different entrepreneurs. I helped out in a foundation that gave educational access to underprivileged children... I realized, okay, I have my talents, I have my gifts. Let's focus on that and keep going."

Erika emphasizes the importance of resilience, creativity, and leveraging personal strengths to overcome adversity.

Mental Health and Resiliency in Entrepreneurship

The conversation delves into the critical role of mental health in the high-stress environment of entrepreneurship.

Erika Aquino [05:48]: "It's so easy to kind of wallow in your emotions. It's very easy. And once you start doing that, it's a spiral, it's a downward spiral. So I talk, I reach out to my therapist, I reach out to friends, I talk, play with my niece and nephews. I make sure that I'm not alone in these moments."

Erika discusses strategies to manage stress and negative emotions, highlighting the importance of reaching out for support and maintaining connections with loved ones.

Erika Aquino [07:14]: "Find your people. It's not hard once you start talking about it and people will stand up for you. There are resources back home in the Philippines or here in the US that you can turn to for free."

She advocates for open conversations about mental health to break down stigmas and emphasizes the availability of resources to support mental well-being.

Investing Traits: What Erika Looks for in Founders

Erika shares her insights on the qualities that make founders successful, regardless of their geographical location.

Erika Aquino [10:39]: "The best ideas, first of all, come from people really close to their pain points... They’re obsessed with a problem and not just the pitch. So they're easily coachable, but they're not easily shaken because they know at the end of the day that they are solving a problem that exists that they want to help solve."

Erika emphasizes the importance of founders being deeply connected to the problems they aim to solve, showcasing passion and resilience as key indicators of potential success.

Common Mistakes Founders Make When Approaching Investors

The discussion highlights frequent errors founders commit when seeking investment and offers actionable advice.

Erika Aquino [14:35]: "What do you do anyway? Are you a supplier? Are you an investor?... If you don't know who is at the table, please make sure that you do, or else you just don't belong there."

Erika points out the necessity for founders to thoroughly research potential investors before reaching out. She criticizes generic cold emails and urges founders to understand who they are pitching to.

Erika Aquino [15:53]: "Lack of knowing their numbers and knowing what their business is... If they have tunnel vision."

She stresses the importance of founders being well-versed in their business metrics and the broader market landscape to avoid narrow, uninformed pitches.

Supporting Female-Led Businesses and Emphasizing Diversity

Erika articulates her commitment to investing in female-led organizations and fostering diversity within the startup ecosystem.

Erika Aquino [19:35]: "Investment isn't just about the profit or the pitch. It's about creating an impact... giving that microphone, giving that amplification to those who may need it the most."

Erika underscores the significance of diversity in investment, aiming to support founders who reflect the world’s diverse challenges and perspectives. Her approach goes beyond financial backing, focusing on mentorship and connecting founders with valuable resources.

Lessons from Successful Founders

Erika shares key takeaways from her interactions with successful entrepreneurs, highlighting the critical role of resilience and learning from failure.

Erika Aquino [21:01]: "They failed. They absolutely failed and got right back up... It's really about coming into things with that wisdom of what it takes to be an entrepreneur."

She emphasizes that experiencing and overcoming failure is a common trait among successful founders, as it builds the necessary resilience and wisdom to navigate future challenges.

Handling Failure and Embracing Comebacks

The conversation explores how both investors and founders can view failure as a stepping stone to success.

Erika Aquino [22:10]: "It's about how they got back up... I love a good comeback story."

Erika discusses her openness to investing in founders who have faced failure, provided they demonstrate the capacity to learn, adapt, and persevere. She values the personal growth and strategic pivots that often result from overcoming setbacks.

Erika's Book: Unreserved Rewriting the Rules of Business

Erika concludes by introducing her book, which encapsulates her philosophy and the stories of other resilient women entrepreneurs.

Erika Aquino [23:15]: "This is a book of 24 women who wrote their own chapters of resiliency... I'm actually the last chapter there. I close out the book."

Her book, available on Amazon, features diverse stories of women who have overcome significant obstacles to succeed in business, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Closing Thoughts

Erica wraps up the episode by expressing admiration for Erika's global perspective and her impactful investments. Erika acknowledges the enriching conversation and hints at future projects, leaving listeners eager for her return.

Erica [24:37]: "You gave so many nuggets and takeaways. This has been amazing and I'm glad to hear that."

Erika Aquino [25:00]: "Thank you very much for having me. I loved my time here."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Erika Aquino [02:28]: "Whatever low you're feeling, it's not the end. There is some way out of it."
• Erika Aquino [05:48]: "It's so easy to wallow in your emotions... I make sure that I'm not alone in these moments."
• Erika Aquino [10:39]: "They’re obsessed with a problem and not just the pitch."
• Erika Aquino [14:35]: "If you don't know who is at the table, please make sure that you do, or else you just don't belong there."
• Erika Aquino [19:35]: "Investment isn't just about the profit or the pitch. It's about creating an impact."
• Erika Aquino [21:01]: "It's really about coming into things with that wisdom of what it takes to be an entrepreneur."
• Erika Aquino [23:15]: "This is a book of 24 women who wrote their own chapters of resiliency."

Conclusion

Episode 255 of Founder's Story offers a heartfelt and insightful dialogue with Erika Aquino, shedding light on the intersection of personal resilience, mental health, and impactful investing. Erika's journey from overcoming personal adversities to empowering diverse founders provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Her dedication to creating meaningful change through investment and mentorship underscores the essence of true leadership in the entrepreneurial world.