In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ahana Banerjee, founder and CEO of Clear, shares her journey from studying physics at Imperial College London to launching a beauty tech startup. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the impact of privilege, and her experience with Y Combinator. 

Ahana reflects on her personal struggles with skincare, which inspired her to create an app that helps users track their skincare routines. She also delves into the complexities of fundraising as a female founder and the decision-making process that led her to focus on Clear over other ideas. In this conversation, Ahana Banerjee shares her experiences as a female founder in the tech industry, discussing the challenges of gender bias, fundraising, and investor dynamics. 

She reflects on her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the importance of understanding the investment landscape, and the impact of gender on her fundraising success. Ahana emphasizes the need for greater representation of women in tech and investment, while also expressing optimism for the future as more women enter the field and challenge existing biases.

Chapters
00:00Introduction to Ahana Banerjee and Clear
03:03Ahana's Journey to Entrepreneurship
05:54The Impact of Privilege and Responsibility
08:54The Birth of Clear: A Personal Problem
12:04Navigating the Y Combinator Experience
14:58The Transition from Quill to Clear
17:59The Decision-Making Process for Startup Focus
21:04Challenges of Fundraising as a Female Founder
29:43Navigating Gender Bias in Tech
32:16The Challenges of Fundraising
36:56Understanding Investor Dynamics
39:59The Impact of Gender on Investment
45:57The Role of Experience and Bias
52:00Balancing Personal and Professional Life
56:40Looking Ahead: Optimism for Change

Ahana Banerjee- Founder & CEO at Clear (YC W21) | Forbes 30u30 | The Sunday Times Young Power List

In this episode of the Innovation Conversation, Ahana Banerjee, founder and CEO of Clear, shares her journey from studying physics at Imperial College London to launching a beauty tech startup. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the impact of privilege, and her experience with Y Combinator. Ahana reflects on her personal struggles with skincare, which [&hellip;]

The Innovation Conversation Episode #72

Ahana Banerjee- Founder & CEO at Clear (YC W21) | Forbes 30u30 | The Sunday Times Young Power List