Post-Exit Entrepreneur, Reveals Her Raw Blueprint from Boardroom to Angel Investing Triumph

What does it take to storm a male-dominated industry, build an empire, and exit on your terms—then reinvent yourself as a game-changing angel investor?

The host of The Deep Wealth Podcast and post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg speaks with Doris Valade. Doris didn’t just break the glass ceiling in the 1980s food industry—she obliterated it, building Malabar Super Spice into a national powerhouse over 35 years. Now, as an angel investor and mentor to CEOs, she shares her raw, unfiltered blueprint for turning resistance into riches and obstacles into opportunities. This article dives into her electrifying story, packed with lessons that will jolt any entrepreneur into action.

The Underdog Who Rewrote the Rules

Doris Valade walked into the food manufacturing world in the 1980s, where women were rarely taken seriously. “It was a fight every day,” she recalls. “You had to outwork, outsmart, and outlast everyone else.” With relentless grit, she founded Malabar Super Spice and scaled it into a national success, navigating market shifts and personal burnout. Her exit wasn’t the end—it was a launchpad to a new chapter of impact. What drove her to defy the odds and come out on top?

Reinvention After the Exit

Selling a business after 35 years could’ve been a cue to slow down, but Doris leaned in harder. “Curiosity keeps you alive,” she says. She joined Angel One, a Burlington-based angel investing group, to mentor startups in med tech, fintech, and food innovation. She also founded a local chapter of 100 Women Who Care, raising funds for overlooked causes like winter gear for migrant workers. “Giving back isn’t just noble—it fuels your growth,” Doris insists. Her post-exit life is a masterclass in staying relevant and impactful.

The Pitch Pitfalls That Kill Deals

As part of Angel One’s screening committee, Doris sees countless startup pitches—and too many crash and burn. “Founders get lost in technical details or sky-high valuations,” she warns. “They forget to share their story.” The biggest deal-killer? Not listening. “If you can’t hear feedback, you’re dead in the water,” she says. Her advice: keep it concise, show your passion, and know your audience. A pitch that blends authenticity with realistic numbers is unstoppable.

The Founder’s Secret Weapon: Listening

When Doris writes a check, she’s not just betting on the idea—she’s betting on the founder. “I look for people who know their weaknesses and listen,” she explains. A founder who’s open to guidance and surrounds themselves with a strong team—like a competent accountant—gets her attention. “Don’t show up with DIY spreadsheets,” she laughs. “Get a pro who knows your costs and revenue.” Innovation hubs are another must, offering objective feedback to keep founders grounded.

Crafting a Pitch That Wins

A winning pitch starts with your why. “Why are you obsessed with this idea? Why does it matter?” Doris asks. She’s seen founders bury their passion under jargon or unrealistic projections. “Be honest about what you don’t know,” she advises, “but have answers for the big questions.” For women founders, Doris is a fierce advocate, knowing the extra hurdles they face. “Some investors doubt women,” she admits. “I’m here to back them and prove them wrong.”

Your Network Is Your Net Worth

Doris’s biggest takeaway? “Your network is everything,” she says, echoing her grandfather’s wisdom: “It’s not who you are—it’s who you know.” As an introvert, she had to push herself to say hello. “Every time I did, I met someone who opened a door,” she recalls. Whether connecting with angel investors or mentors, building relationships early is a game-changer. “Never be afraid to ask for help,” she urges. “It’s the foundation of every success story.”

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode

Doris Valade’s journey from a scrappy 1980s startup to a blockbuster exit and angel investing triumph is a raw, unfiltered masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Her insights will shake up how you approach your business, your network, and your exit. Don’t wait, and tune into Episode 471 of The Deep Wealth Podcast and subscribe now to unlock Doris’s blueprint for building wealth and impact!

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