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Devin: What is your superpower?

Marcia: Resourcefulness and decisiveness.

Angel investing has long been seen as an exclusive domain reserved for the wealthy. Marcia Dawood, an experienced investor and advocate for small business capital formation, is on a mission to change that perception. In today’s episode, she shared how equity crowdfunding has made it possible for anyone to invest in startups and drive meaningful change.

Marcia has been an angel investor for over a decade and served as chair of the Angel Capital Association. She now sits on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, working to ensure small businesses have a voice in regulatory decisions.

During our conversation, she reflected on the transformative power of equity crowdfunding. "Back in 2016, when the SEC changed the rules, it became possible for anyone to invest in startups for as little as $50," she said. "But not enough people know about it. The potential for impact is enormous."

Marcia’s journey into angel investing began with a simple invitation to an investor meeting. At first, she assumed it was a world reserved for the rich and well-connected. But as she listened to entrepreneurs share their visions for changing the world, she realized she could be part of it. “I thought, ‘Where have I been?’ I had no idea this was happening,” she recalled. “I started to see how powerful investing could be as a force for good.”

Today, Marcia is committed to making investing more inclusive. She highlights that platforms like Republic, WeFunder, and StartEngine have made startup investing transparent and accessible. "Everything is disclosed on the platform—CEOs can’t have side conversations with select investors. That levels the playing field," she explained.

One of her biggest concerns is the lack of funding for women-led startups. "Women make up about half the population, but they receive just two to three percent of venture funding. That has to change," she emphasized. By encouraging more people—especially women—to invest, Marcia believes equity crowdfunding can reshape the entrepreneurial landscape.

For those hesitant to take the leap into impact investing, her advice is simple: start by observing. "Take your time, look around, and learn. See which companies align with your values. Then, when you’re ready, take that first step."

Marcia’s message is clear: investing isn’t just about financial returns—it’s about fueling innovation and creating a better world. By lowering barriers to entry, equity crowdfunding is opening the doors for everyone to be part of that change.

tl;dr:

* Marcia Dawood discusses how equity crowdfunding is expanding access to capital for underrepresented founders and everyday investors.

* She shares her journey into angel investing and how it has become a powerful tool for impact.

* Marcia highlights the importance of transparency and accessibility in platforms like Republic, WeFunder, and StartEngine.

* She explains the need for more investment in women-led startups and the potential for crowdfunding to bridge the gap.

* Marcia identifies decisiveness and resourcefulness as her superpowers, offering actionable tips for making better decisions and solving problems efficiently.

How to Develop Decisiveness and Resourcefulness As a Superpower

Marcia Dawood has honed two superpowers that have propelled her success: decisiveness and resourcefulness. "I’ve had people tell me that if they were in a crisis, they’d want to stand next to me," she said in today’s episode. Whether in angel investing, business, or personal life, she has built a reputation for making quick, confident decisions and creatively solving problems.

One of the most powerful examples of her decisiveness came during the pandemic. She shared the story of JoyLux, a startup whose CEO immediately pivoted when faced with financial uncertainty. Instead of waiting for conditions to improve, the company quickly adjusted its strategy, engaged investors, and ensured financial stability. "That kind of decisiveness can be the difference between survival and failure," Marcia explained.

For those looking to develop decisiveness, Marcia offers practical advice:

* Identify the Core Decision – Clarify what needs to be decided and focus on key factors.

* Seek Input, but Don’t Overanalyze – Consult trusted sources, but avoid analysis paralysis.

* Take Ownership – Make a choice and commit to it, rather than second-guessing.

* Learn from Decisions – Reflect on past choices to improve future decision-making.

* Act with Confidence – Recognize that no decision is perfect, but moving forward is better than inaction.

By following Marcia’s example and advice, you can make decisiveness and resourcefulness a skill. With practice and effort, you could make them a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Marcia Dawood (she/her):

Advisor on the Small Business Capital Formation Committee - Vice Chair, TEDx Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, Associate Producer, Helping people learn to Do Good while Doing Well, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

About U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: The SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee was established by the SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016, and is designed to provide a formal mechanism for the Commission to receive advice and recommendations on Commission rules, regulations and policy matters relating to small businesses, including smaller public companies. The Committee meets quarterly, and all meetings are open to the public.

Website: marciadawood.com sec.gov

X/Twitter Handle: @SECGov

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/SECgov

Instagram Handle: @secgov

Biographical Information:

Marcia Dawood is an early-stage investor, author, and advocate for diverse entrepreneurs. She serves on the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and is a venture partner at Mindshift Capital. As chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association, she champions angel investing to drive innovation. Marcia hosts The Angel Next Door podcast and co-produced the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money. Her book, Do Good While Doing Well, empowers investors to create impact. With over 50 early-stage investments, she is committed to building thriving companies that drive positive change. Marcia lives in North Carolina with her family.

Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/marcia.dawood

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marciadawood

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