Sarah Anto

As a mentor at Conception X—the UK’s leading PhD deeptech venture program—I support early-stage science-based startups through 1:1 advisory, group sessions, and strategic coaching. I work closely with PhD teams to help them translate cutting-edge research into scalable ventures, prepare for fundraising, and navigate the journey from lab to market. This role allows me to directly contribute to the growth of high-impact, founder-led innovation at the intersection of academia, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Struggling to define your business model, position your startup in the market, gain traction, or secure funding as a female founder? Schedule a 1-on-1 Strategy Session with me to discover how the FundHER Accelerator can elevate your startup. I help women founders build, validate, and fund their tech startups with confidence and clarity. My program is designed to: ✔️ Define effective business models and map out a path to success. ✔️ Strategize market positioning to stand out in the tech industry. ✔️ Develop accurate financial projections and create meaningful traction. ✔️ Secure funding with investor-ready pitches and the confidence to present them. ➡️ Get my free list of investors for women founders: https://fund-her.ck.page/investors

At Techstars, I mentor early-stage startups by providing strategic guidance on business models, market positioning, and securing funding. My role involves helping founders tackle challenges and seize opportunities, drawing on my extensive experience to support their growth journeys. I bring this expertise to my coaching practice, assisting women tech founders in navigating the complexities of their ventures with clarity and confidence.

As a mentor at Y Combinator, I work closely with early-stage startups to refine their business strategies, develop market traction, and prepare for successful fundraising. My mentorship focuses on addressing the unique hurdles founders face, using my insights to help them build robust and scalable businesses. This experience enhances my ability to guide women tech founders through their entrepreneurial journeys with precision and assurance.

As Chief of Staff to the CEO at Hayden AI, I served as a growth catalyst, driving alignment and agility within our distributed team. I orchestrated high-impact projects, ensured we hit key targets, and boosted team cohesion through strategic planning and operational excellence. This experience translates directly to my coaching practice, where I help women tech founders build high-performing, mission-driven teams optimized for rapid growth. My passion is helping founders become not just visionaries but masters of execution, crafting and implementing plans that unlock their true potential.

As an Operations Manager at Curated, I partnered with the Controller to support an ERP transition and prepare for audit readiness. My drive for operational excellence extended to logistics, where I implemented data-driven improvements in freight, warehousing, and strategic shipment planning. Witnessing Curated's growth ignited my passion for helping startups scale efficiently and effectively.

During my six years at EY, I was immersed in Silicon Valley, auditing both established tech giants and ambitious startups. This experience taught me to see beyond the numbers, recognizing the high-growth potential and subtle risks that can derail a venture. I navigated complex financial landscapes, tackled intricate accounting standards, and advised on regulatory compliance. My role was to ensure transparency and build trust with founders under immense pressure. As a Program Manager, I led cross-functional, remote teams to enhance the sustainable finance UX experience. My passion for data-driven solutions led to automating processes, achieving a 70% cost reduction. I conducted in-depth research and big data analysis, identifying strategic opportunities and product improvements that boosted performance. I crafted compelling data narratives for senior leadership, translating complex financials into actionable insights. My ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences ensured everyone was aligned, enabling us to achieve KPIs and streamline internal processes. This hands-on experience drives my mission to help women tech founders leverage data, optimize operations, and achieve impactful growth.