Stephiney Foley is the CEO and founder of Yuzi, a wellness tech company on a mission to redefine the maternal care experience and be the lifeline to mothers. Their goal is to build the world’s largest maternal care network and platform, revolutionizing how society cares for mothers, their families, and care professionals. Our first product, Yuzi Retreat accompanied with our proprietary tech platform is tailored for mothers, families, and caregivers such as yoga, pelvic PT, massage therapist, mental health professionals, and other health-adjacent providers.

Let’s dive right into the interview:

Why does the world need your company?

85% of women experience a mood disorder after giving birth and 75% of parents with young children feel isolated. 3 out of 100,000 of those women have a fatal experience. The maternal care problem in the U.S. is increasingly getting worse, including the doubling of the maternity mortality rate within the past 2 decades.

What has been the biggest win for your company?

Without any marketing expense or effort, we have paid customers within 2 weeks of the company’s formation.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made along the way?

I’m sure there will be more to come.

What do you like most about being a founder?

The creativity, the hustle, the product, and the customers.

What is the hardest thing about being a founder?

Fundraising.

What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome as a founder?

Fundraising in this current macro-economic environment.

What’s your favorite hack for dealing with the demands of running a startup?

Prioritize ruthlessly and say no to the things that are not needle movers.

What were you doing before you started working on your company?

Technical Product Leader building SaaS products at Amazon, Tesla, and IDEO.

If you weren’t building your company, what else would you be doing now?

Product Leader at a FAANG.

How has Startup Haven helped you on your journey?

As a founder, Startup Haven has been critical in supporting my journey through its invaluable network of fellow founders and funders. The connections forged within this community have been a constant source of support, guidance, and collaboration.

What superhero power would help founders most?

Grit, Optimism, and focusing maniacally on the customers.

What do you need… what’s your “ask”?

Introductions to strategic advisors, investors, and partnerships.

What help can you offer to other Startup Haven member founders… what’s your offer?

Share my journey, special promotions to Yuzi, and mentorship to others.

If you were to found another company (after you exit your current company) and you could choose any real person living or dead to be your cofounder, who would it be?

I would choose the same cofounders that I have now.