The stereotype of a startup founder often features a young male at the helm, embodying the notion of rapid success and innovation. However, emerging research reveals a more nuanced reality, particularly highlighting the emergence of women entrepreneurs who are often overlooked yet significantly impactful.

Women-Led Startups: A Financial Powerhouse

Studies indicate that startups founded by women tend to outperform their male counterparts in revenue generation, despite receiving less funding. Additionally, a study from 2020 pointed to a striking fact: the average age of founders leading high-growth startups in the U.S. is around 45 years old. This finding challenges the prevailing narrative by illustrating that a younger demographic is not necessarily more capable of achieving startup success.

Real Stories: Women Founders After 40

Four remarkable women founders shared their journeys, distinctly showcasing the advantages they possess as entrepreneurs over the age of 40. Their experiences dismantle the myth that age is a barrier to launching successful businesses.

• Joanna Strober, 56: Founder of Midi Health, a virtual healthcare clinic tailored for women in midlife.
• Julie Bornstein, 54: Co-founder of Daydream, an AI-powered shopping platform.
• Sara Schiller, 54, and Karen Robinovitz, 52: Co-founders of Sloomoo Institute, an experiential brand with multiple locations.

Experience as an Asset

“You have more experience. I see no downsides.”

Strober emphasizes the advantageous position of starting a business at this stage of life, noting that not only does age bring wisdom but also the ability to leverage past experiences effectively. “It’s a great time to start a business,” she asserts, reflecting on her journey with Midi Health, which was inspired by her personal health challenges during perimenopause.

Midi Health, founded in 2021, has already amassed over $100 million in funding, with backing from prominent investors like Google Ventures.

Drawing from Diverse Backgrounds

“I’m able to pattern match from all of the jobs I’ve had in the past.”

For Bornstein, her extensive experience in e-commerce allowed her to quickly pivot ideas into actionable plans following her previous venture’s acquisition by Pinterest. Her understanding of industry dynamics, honed over multiple roles, enables her to build a robust foundation for Daydream, which has raised over $50 million in funding.

Sharing Emotional Resilience and Support

“Embrace your experience and trust your intuition.”

The duo of Schiller and Robinovitz found solace and strength in their friendship, allowing them to navigate personal trials and ultimately channel that resilience into starting Sloomoo Institute. With their backgrounds in talent management and events, they recognized the venture’s potential to spread joy through creative play.

Sloomoo Institute secured $5.8 million in a recent funding round, expanding their presence into five locations with ambitious plans for further growth.

Time and Flexibility: Key Advantages

Many women founders over 40 find they have additional time and flexibility as their children grow older. Strober and Bornstein both highlight how this newfound freedom allows them to dedicate themselves fully to their businesses without the constraints of parenting responsibilities.

“The amount of free brain power is extraordinary.”

Risk-Taking and Confidence

“In many ways, you can take more risks than you could earlier in your career.”

The risk-taking mentality that often accompanies experience allows for innovative business ventures. As described by Strober and Bornstein, confidence and empathy develop over time, enhancing their leadership capabilities.

Robinovitz and Schiller, emboldened by their life experiences, reflect on the unconventional nature of their business. Schiller states, “It’s crazy that we started a business based on slime,” emphasizing their adventurous spirit in entrepreneurship.

A Conclusion of Empowerment

The success stories of these women illustrate that age can be a powerful asset in entrepreneurship. With a wealth of experience, emotional resilience, and increased freedom, women founders over 40 are making significant contributions to the business landscape, countering traditional narratives and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.