Stone & Chalk is committed to continued, tangible support for the journey of founders who identify as women in the emerging tech industry. In the second year of our International Women’s Day Scholarship, we look back at two previous scholarship winners and their experiences with Stone & Chalk. We kick start this throwback by hearing from Molly Fulle and her journey.
Can you tell us a bit about Fulle and its purpose?
At Fulle, we are a team of tech-savvy, fun-loving individuals, leading the charge toward a more sustainable future, one smart charger at a time. We are driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality products and exceptional customer experiences. We believe that technology should be intuitive and easy to use, and our products are designed with this in mind. Our mission is to provide reliable and efficient chargers that not only power devices, but also extend the life of batteries, saving money and reducing waste.
Our smart chargers are engineered to extend the life of batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising the amount of electronic waste generated.
By maximising the efficiency of charging, we also reduce the overall energy consumption of our products, making a positive impact on the planet. Impulse, our first product, is revolutionising the way you charge your e-bikes!
The smart chargers are like superheroes for your e-bikes - they keep your batteries going strong for longer, saving you money and you in turn saving the world from a mountain of electronic waste. No more worrying about running out of power mid-ride or having to replace your battery every other year!
At its core, the purpose of Impulse is to empower our customers with the tools they need to live more efficient, sustainable, and fulfilling lives.
Harnessing the power of technology, we aim to make a difference, one charger at a time. From the sleek and stylish design of our product to the ease of use and reliability, every aspect of our e-bike charger is crafted with your needs in mind.
What is your experience of Stone & Chalk residency and how has it impacted your founder journey?
Wow! I am so excited to share my residency experience at Stone & Chalk with you all! It has been such a wild and wonderful ride.
Stone & Chalk is this amazing innovation hub where startups and entrepreneurs come together to collaborate, create, and change the world.
Being a part of that community was like a dream come true for me! During my residency, I had access to top-notch facilities, a network of mentors and investors, and a whole bunch of other entrepreneurs who were just as passionate and driven as I was.
And let me tell you, the energy in that place was electric! It was so stimulating to bounce ideas off of other people and see all of the amazing projects that were being developed right before my eyes.
However, the best part of my residency was the impact it had on my own startup.
You see, being in an environment surrounded by other entrepreneurs who were all pushing the boundaries of what was possible, empowered me to shoot for the moon. I started thinking bigger, pushing harder and taking risks that I might not have taken otherwise.
And it paid off! Fulle took off in a way that I never could have imagined. We were part of the Climate Salad Australian delegation to San Francisco for Verge Conference and also got selected for the Studio X elite accelerator SixLab program based in Texas, USA.
The community at Stone and Chalk is full of dynamic and passionate individuals who are always on the go. Whether they’re brainstorming new ideas, collaborating on projects, or just chatting over a cup of coffee, the energy level here is through the roof. Since winning the scholarship, it has completely transformed my founder journey. It’s been a never-ending rollercoaster of excitement and innovation!
There’s so much to love about this place, but if I had to choose one thing, it would be the energy. And let me tell you, being around all this optimistic energy is contagious. It’s like a shot of positivity every day, and I leave here feeling inspired and motivated to tackle anything that comes my way.
So, here’s to all the energetic and innovative individuals at Stone and Chalk! Keep shining. This place is full of magic because of you!
What has changed for you and Fulle since joining Stone & Chalk?
Since joining Stone & Chalk, we were provided with valuable resources and benefits to help us succeed in our journey as entrepreneurs.
Connecting with a supportive community, accessing educational resources, and benefiting from structured support and networking opportunities, we were able to overcome some of the common challenges and hurdles that arise during the early stages of building a startup. We can attribute our success to:
Access to a supportive community: The ability to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, and tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of our peers help us navigate our journey successfully.
Educational resources: Access to a range of workshops and training sessions, that helped our team develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as product development, marketing, and fundraising.
Networking opportunities: Being showcased in front of a network of potential customers, partners, and investors, to help us build relationships that can grow our business.
Structured support: The regular check-ins and milestones that are a part of the program provided us with a sense of structure and accountability, to keep us focused and on track.
Increased visibility: By being part of a well-respected residency program like Stone & Chalk, we increased the visibility of our startup and potentially attract more investment and partnerships.
What also changed for me is landing the unique opportunity to co-author Women Leading the Way book with other inspiring women.
Women Leading the Way promises readers inspirational stories of empowering women from various industries to discover and demonstrate their unique potential.
What makes it truly unique is that its pages are filled with real-life stories and narratives of success that demonstrate how women can find the strength to strive for greater heights. Becoming a published author and sharing my own story of triumph and resilience is a dream come true!
So, get ready to be inspired, empowered, and entertained! Women Leading the Way will be launching at the London Book Fair in April 2023 and then around the country at book launches in May 2023.
What advice would you give to other women in emerging tech?
If you’re a woman in this field, Ladies, you are rock stars, game changers, and trailblazers all rolled into one. My advice to help you soar even higher:
- Believe in yourself and your abilities. You belong in tech, and you have what it takes to succeed. Keep reaching for the stars!
- Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and partners. Find a community of like-minded women who can lift you up and cheer you on.
- Stay resilient and persistent in the face of obstacles. The road to success in any field is never easy, especially in a rapidly evolving industry like tech. Keep pushing forward, and don’t give up on your goals.
- Speak up and make your voice heard. You never know, you may inspire others and spark new ideas.
- Have fun and enjoy the journey. Don’t forget to take breaks and celebrate your successes along the way.
Remember, you are not alone in this. You are part of a powerful group of women who are changing the world one tech innovation at a time.
Keep reaching for the stars, and never give up on your dreams. The world needs your brilliance, and I am honoured to stand with you on this journey.
How do you think the emerging tech industry can better support women?
We can create a welcoming and empowering environment for women in tech, and encourage even more women to join the exciting and innovative world of technology by doing the following:
- Highlight the amazing women who are already making waves in the tech industry. Seeing role models and hearing their stories can be incredibly inspiring and encouraging more women to enter the field.
- Create supportive networks and communities for women in tech. Having a place to connect with peers, share experiences, and receive mentorship can make a huge difference.
- Offer resources and training specifically geared towards women in tech. This can include workshops, events, and even scholarships.
- Promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Women in tech should feel valued and respected, and have equal opportunities to grow and advance in their careers.
- Celebrate the achievements of women in tech! Let's give a big shoutout to the female techies out there and make sure their contributions are recognised and appreciated.
So, all in all, my residency at Stone & Chalk is a truly unforgettable experience that has had a huge impact on my startup journey.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to take your startup to the next level, I highly recommend checking out Stone & Chalk. Trust me, you’ll be proud of the outcome!
