Bootstrapping Clean Energy: Vessyll

A few years ago, Zahra Hargens-Illiff discovered batteries light her up. She built her own battery prototype in her garage and hit the VC circuit. But after a series of disappointing rejections, she took matters into her own hands and bootstrapped her first few products. A decision that took a lot of courage but one that is paying off. Join Ben Walter and Kathleen Griffith as they chat with Zahra about a clean energy future. Discover what it takes to actually build a battery prototype and hear about the grant that almost launched her company (but ended up costing her $17,000). Zahra also has one of the best entrepreneurial coping mechanisms Ben has ever heard. These are The Unshakeables. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Om Podcasten

The Unshakeables podcast from Chase for Business and iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio dives into the unbelievable “What are we gonna do now?” moments that changed everything for small business owners. From mom-and-pop coffee shops to auto-detailing garages, every small business owner knows that the journey is full of the unexpected. A single make-or-break experience can change the course of your business forever. Those who stand firm in their resolve have a special name. We call them The Unshakeables. These are their stories. Join Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and a lineup of special co-hosts as they speak with small business owners across America who’ve gone through some of the most unexpected situations anyone can face and walked away stronger for it. These aren’t stories about the darlings of Silicon Valley or titans of Wall Street. These are real stories from real people behind the small companies powering their communities every day. The speakers’ opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of the podcast release date and they may not materialize.