
Earn Your Leisure How One Idea Became an $80 Million Female Health Tech Company | Crystal Etienne
Jan 29, 2026
Crystal Etienne, founder and CEO of Ruby Love and investor focused on women’s health and Black women founders. She describes inventing a period-friendly garment, rapid viral growth to $1M+ revenue, navigating venture capital and rebranding, scaling operations while low on cash, and why preparing to sell can build generational wealth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Fundraising Breakthrough Through Accelerator
- After joining Jason Calacanis' Launch program in 2018, Crystal received 15 term sheets and eventually accepted a UK investor's offer in 2019.
- The program forced her to take fundraising seriously and opened access to multiple investors.
Use Emotional Strategy In VC Meetings
- When pitching VCs, temper expertise and let investors feel smart by affirming their ideas even if you know better.
- Use emotional intelligence to navigate biased investors and advance the deal.
Board Control Trumps Pure Equity
- Equity dilution is less dangerous than losing control of the board and vote rights after VC funding.
- Crystal negotiated to retain board control because she bootstrapped significant revenue before raising.

