How to Effectively Communicate Your Lived Experience to Venture Capitalists with Rebecca Rosenberg from ReBokeh

Welcome back to Found, where we get the stories behind the startups.

Listen to the full conversation here: [link]

This Week’s Guest

We are joined by Rebecca Rosenberg, the founder and CEO of ReBokeh, a startup that created an app that applies filters that allow people with low vision to see better.

Table of Contents

How Rebecca’s Experience Inspired Rebokeh

Rebecca shared how her own experience with having low vision inspired the product. She explained that she had always struggled with everyday tasks due to her condition, which made it difficult for her to navigate and interact with her environment.

"I have low vision, which means I don’t see things clearly," Rebecca said. "It’s not just about seeing the big picture; it’s also about being able to read signs, watch TV, or even cook a meal without assistance."
"Growing up with this condition was challenging, but I learned how to adapt and find ways to overcome these obstacles."

However, Rebecca realized that she wasn’t alone in her struggles. Many people with low vision face similar challenges, and there were no solutions available to help them see better.

Building Rebokeh as an Undergrad

Rebecca decided to create a solution for herself and others like her. She started building the app during her undergraduate studies, but things took a dramatic turn in 2020 when everything went remote due to the pandemic.

"I was working on the app part-time while taking classes," Rebecca recalled. "But then COVID-19 hit, and suddenly my entire life changed overnight."
"I had to balance coursework with building a startup from scratch, which was incredibly demanding but also an incredible opportunity for growth."

Despite the challenges she faced, Rebecca persevered and continued working on Rebokeh.

Revenue Streams for Rebokeh

Rebecca discussed how the app will likely have multiple revenue streams. The primary source of income will come from premium features that offer advanced image filtering capabilities.

"We’re planning to offer a subscription-based model where users can access exclusive filters and features," Rebecca explained.
"Additionally, we’ll also generate revenue through partnerships with organizations that support individuals with low vision."

Pitching Rebokeh to VCs

Rebecca shared her experience of pitching the product to venture capitalists (VCs) who didn’t believe in the potential of her startup.

"I faced skepticism from some investors who doubted whether there was a large enough market for an app like Rebokeh," Rebecca said.
"But I knew that there were many people out there struggling with low vision, and I believed that our product could make a real difference in their lives."

Rebecca’s determination and passion ultimately won over the investors.

Conclusion

Rebecca Rosenberg’s journey as the founder of Rebokeh is an inspiring example of how lived experience can lead to innovation. By combining her expertise with her personal struggles, Rebecca created a solution that has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Listen to the full conversation on Found: [link]