In this episode, Troy interviews Maria Halasz, the CEO & Co-Founder of Stride Equity based in Sydney, Australia. Stride Equity is Australia’s first venture-backed equity crowdfunding platform providing cornerstone investment of up to 20% to all companies successfully raising capital on the crowdfunding platform. Stride Equity is focused on closing the funding gap for emerging businesses while providing wholesale and retail investors access to pre-vetted investment offers.  Originally from Hungary, Maria emigrated on her own to Perth, Western Australia at the age of 20. Commencing a degree in medicine, she spent several years studying before being awarded a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) from the University of Western Australia in 1992 before impressively gaining her MBA (Finance) in 2000. Maria started her executive career in a biotechnology company, which led to work in VC funding technology-based businesses and, later, senior positions in corporate finance and venture capital executing IPOs, including private capital raisings and assisting with global expansions, specialising in life sciences. Maria then spent 16 years as the founder and CEO of ASX-listed company Anagenics Limited Ltd. before co-founding Stride Equity in 2023 with her former Investec colleagues, Jon Brett and Alan Chonowitz.  Growing with 5 FTEs and growing companies with a few million dollars in valuations to billion-dollar businesses with 20% equity.  Maria says starting a venture-backed equity crowdfunding platform that provides investment and funding to early-stage companies at the moment when inflation and interest rates are going up necessitates preparing for the challenges and opportunities that come with it.“There are so many things that are hard in growing a small business. You need to invest in your people and you need to invest in your growth”, she added.  Maria is also a Non-Executive Director of the Garvan Research Foundation and an advisor to the Digital Health CRC and NSW Councillor of the Australian Industry Group (AiG).  This Cast Covers Launch of Australia’s first venture-backed equity crowdfunding platform Partnership with senior directors with 30 years of investing experience gives confidence to the crowd and companies.  Maria’s background in biotech, corporate finance and venture capital Investing in and growing companies with a few million dollars in valuations to billion-dollar businesses.  Importance of working with who you know and who you trust in business. Significance of clear communication in marketing a fast-growing business. Take on raising money with the current situation of the world. Two stressful points in a small business growth journey.  Area of business to work on the most to add the greatest value. The biggest mindset shift in the small business growth journey.  Two habits that small business owners need to develop and maintain.  Links: Maria’s Linkedin Additional Resources: Stride Equity How to Invest Book by David M Rubenstein     Quotes: “Success is like happiness and joy, it's temporary. And it's a state of mind.” —Maria Halasz “If you want to be the first movers, we better get ready to jackhammer, because you have to break down some walls.” —Maria Halasz “You need to invest in your people, not just money but time and also your thoughts and your growth.” —Maria Halasz “They're thinking and just going through and understanding how people think about investing is very important for me.” —Maria Halasz “Timeboxing is to allocate a certain amount of time for each task at the beginning of your week so that you've got a plan of how you're going to get through your million lists.” —Maria Halasz