Entrepreneur Alexa Von Tobel founded LearnVest to help young people manage their money online. She shares her journey from leaving Harvard Business School to selling the company for $375 million. The podcast explores her struggles with fundraising, building a fintech company in NYC, and navigating a $300 million acquisition offer. It highlights the importance of determination, resilience, and making data-driven decisions in the entrepreneurial world.
Alexa Von Tobel founded LearnVest to democratize financial advice for young people online.
After selling LearnVest for $375 million, Alexa founded Inspired Capital to support mission-driven entrepreneurs with patient capital.
Deep dives
Starting LearnVest and Challenging Financial Norms
Alexa Von Tobel shares her journey of founding LearnVest, a fintech company challenging traditional financial management. Encountering skepticism at TechCrunch, she championed transparency and accessibility in managing finances, attracting thousands of users through online boot camps. Despite initial struggles, Alexa secured investments, navigating compliance hurdles to provide regulated financial planning services.
Merging with Northwestern Mutual and Emotional Decision-making
After raising $73 million in funding and launching successful financial planning solutions, LearnVest merged with Northwestern Mutual for $375 million. Alexa's emotional ties to the insurer influenced her decision, staying post-acquisition to ensure a smooth transition and cultural alignment, driven by her mission to democratize financial advice.
Inspired Capital and Venturing into VC
Transitioning from LearnVest, Alexa founded Inspired Capital to support mission-driven entrepreneurs, emphasizing patient capital and long-term partnerships. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial roots, she swiftly established a $281 million fund, embodying the spirit of providing support she once sought as a dropout entrepreneur.
No Regrets and Continual Entrepreneurial Spirit
Alexa expresses no regrets in selling LearnVest, highlighting the importance of following one's authentic path and dedicating oneself to work aligned with personal values. Embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship, she propels forward with Inspired Capital, embodying a steadfast commitment to building a supportive venture capital community.
Alexa Von Tobel started thinking about money after her dad died when she was young. By the time she got her first job out of college, she was horrified to learn that there weren’t any financial resources online. So she built LearnVest – one of the first companies to help young people manage their money online – and sold it to Northwestern Mutual for $375 million.