Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women + Rest & Preventing Burnout in Entrepreneurship guide

🌟 Spotlight on Women Founders: Recent Triumphs & Milestones

This section celebrates the incredible achievements of women shaping the US tech landscape and beyond. We'll bring you the latest news on funding, exits, impactful moves, and inspiring success stories. 🚀

• Forbes' 2025 America’s Richest Self-Made Women List Reveals Record Billionaires & Fortunes! 📈

  • By the Numbers: Forbes marks the 10th anniversary of its annual list by showcasing incredible growth: 38 billionaires this year (more than double the 18 in 2015) and a minimum net worth to make the cut of $350 million (up from $250 million a decade ago). The list now ranks 100 women, up from 50.

  • Why it matters: This monumental growth signifies the increasing power, influence, and wealth being generated by women entrepreneurs in the US. It's a powerful validation of their vision, resilience, and the economic impact of women-led businesses. It highlights that the path to massive success is increasingly accessible and achievable for self-made women.

  • Link to full list here. 

• Highlights from the Forbes List: Tech and Beyond 💡

  • Lucy Guo (Age 30, Artificial Intelligence) - $1.3 Billion Net Worth: Guo became the world's youngest self-made woman billionaire in April, thanks to her astute decision to retain a significant stake (nearly 5%) in Scale AI, the AI firm she co-founded. She's since launched Passes, a Patreon competitor, proving that early strategic equity retention can lead to immense wealth.

  • Daniela Amodei (Age 37, Artificial Intelligence) - $1.2 Billion Net Worth: As a co-founder in the burgeoning AI space, Amodei's inclusion highlights the rapid wealth creation happening within the artificial intelligence sector and the leading roles women are playing.

  • Gwynne Shotwell (Age 61, SpaceX) - $1.2 Billion Net Worth: As President and COO of SpaceX, Shotwell's fortune underlines the immense value created in the private space technology sector and the critical leadership roles women hold within it.

  • Annie Lamont (Age 61, Venture Capital) - $650 Million Net Worth: As co-founder of Oak HC/FT, a VC firm with $7.5 billion in assets specializing in healthcare and fintech, Lamont's success directly impacts the funding landscape for new tech startups.

  • Kim Kardashian (Age 44, Shapewear, Skincare) - $1.7 Billion Net Worth: Kardashian's massive success with Skims (a nearly $900 million estimated sales business) and her ability to leverage strategic partnerships (like NikeSkims) offer valuable lessons in branding, market disruption, and scaling a consumer product using digital strategies.

  • Shuo Wang (Age 36, Software) - $1.5 Billion Net Worth: The co-founder and chief revenue officer of HR and payroll company Deel, Wang became a new billionaire after a private transaction valued the company at $12.6 billion. Her success underscores the immense opportunities in enterprise software.

  • Christina Cacioppo (Age 37, Software) - $440 Million Net Worth: As CEO of automated security and compliance software company Vanta, valued at $2.45 billion, Cacioppo's journey showcases the power of building essential B2B tech solutions.

  • Taylor Swift (Age 35, Music) - $1.6 Billion Net Worth: Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour (grossing over $2 billion in ticket sales!) and her strategic re-recordings demonstrate unparalleled business acumen in leveraging intellectual property and fan engagement in the digital age—lessons relevant to any founder.

  • Kylie Jenner (Age 27, Cosmetics) - $670 Million Net Worth: The youngest on the list, Jenner built her fortune through Kylie Cosmetics and is expanding into apparel, perfume, and alcohol. Her story emphasizes the power of personal brand leverage and diversified ventures.

• Vivrelle, Co-Founded by Blake Griffin, Raises $62 Million Series C to Expand Luxury Rental Service 👜💰

  • Founder(s): Blake Griffin (Co-founder) and Wayne Griffin

  • Industry: Luxury Rental/E-commerce (with a strong tech-enabled subscription model)

  • What's the buzz? Vivrelle, a subscription service for renting luxury accessories like handbags and jewelry, has just closed a $62 million Series C round entirely funded by venture firm Protagonist. Co-founder Blake Griffin conceived the idea before her wedding, identifying a unique market opportunity for accessible luxury. The company reported triple-digit growth in 2024 and is profitable.

  • Why it matters: This significant funding round for a profitable, woman-co-founded company in the rental economy demonstrates strong investor confidence in innovative business models that cater to evolving consumer desires for luxury experiences. It highlights how vision and strategic positioning can lead to substantial growth and capital.

  • Link to full story here.

• Women's Leadership on the Rise within US Tech & Finance Giants! 🚀👩‍💼

  • Key takeaway: While the overall landscape for women in senior leadership saw some stagnation globally, the US is showing positive trends. Grant Thornton's "Women in Business 2025" report notes that women now hold 49% of Chief Financial Officer roles and a significant 27% of Chief Technology Officer positions (a 12-point jump from 2024). Additionally, Marianne Lake, a top candidate to succeed JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, has expanded her oversight at the firm, now leading strategic growth and the overseas consumer bank in addition to her role in consumer and community banking.

  • Why it matters: These figures indicate increasing influence and decision-making power for women within established tech and finance institutions in the US. This growing presence in crucial roles can lead to more inclusive company cultures, mentorship opportunities, and a greater understanding of the needs of diverse founders, ultimately fostering a more supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

  • Link to Grant Thornton Report here.

💡 WE Guide: Level Up Your Entrepreneurial Skills

The Power of Intentional Rest & Preventing Burnout in Entrepreneurship 🧘‍♀️💻

The world of entrepreneurship is often synonymous with long hours and constant hustle. However, recent data highlights a critical issue: American workers are struggling to truly disconnect, even on vacation. For founders, this challenge is magnified. Prioritizing genuine rest isn't a luxury; it's a strategic imperative for long-term success and innovation.

• Understanding the Basics: "Time off" isn't just about not being at your desk; it's about fully disengaging your mind from work. Studies show that only 37% of US, Canadian, and UK workers reported entirely disconnecting from work while on vacation, a significant drop over the last three years. For founders who are always "on," this can quickly lead to burnout, reduced creativity, and impaired decision-making.

• Actionable Tips/Strategies for Genuine Disconnection: 💡

  • Schedule True Breaks (and Protect Them): Don't just plan vacation days; plan for complete disengagement during those days. Communicate your unavailability clearly to your team and clients well in advance. Delegate thoroughly.

  • Set Digital Boundaries: Before your break, remove work-related apps from your phone, turn off notifications, and resist the urge to "just check in." Consider using an out-of-office message that states your firm boundary on email checks.

  • Explore Sensory Breaks (Even Short Ones): The concept of "darkness retreats" (sitting alone in a dark, quiet room for days) highlights the profound impact of sensory deprivation on mental clarity. While this might be extreme, it underscores the need for any form of genuine mental quiet. Even 15-30 minutes of meditation, a walk without your phone, or simply sitting in silence can be incredibly restorative.

  • Prioritize Sleep: Adequate sleep is non-negotiable for cognitive function, problem-solving, and emotional resilience – all vital for entrepreneurs. Make it a priority, not an afterthought. 😴

  • Cultivate Hobbies Unrelated to Work: Engage in activities that genuinely make you happy and take your mind off business. This could be anything from a sport to an art form, or even learning a new skill.

• What's your go-to strategy or 'hack' for truly disconnecting and recharging, even for a short period? Recharge tips, please! 🔋

  Share your answers by replying to this email! We might feature some insights in our next issue. 👇

💖 From the Editor's Desk

Dear Fellow Women Entrepreneurs,

This week, we've celebrated the incredible achievements of women on Forbes' 'Richest Self-Made Women' list, showcasing the immense impact and wealth being generated by our community. These stories, from AI pioneers to luxury e-commerce innovators, are a powerful testament to what's possible. ✨

Alongside these inspiring successes, we've also touched on the critical importance of self-care and genuine disconnection. Your well-being is not a luxury; it's a critical component of your entrepreneurial longevity and sustained innovation.

Keep building, keep innovating, and keep breaking those glass ceilings – but don't forget to take that much-needed time to recharge and thrive! 🚀

Warmly,

Keren, Founder, WE - Women Entrepreneurship