Episode 317: From Idea to Impact: Building a SaaS Platform for Women Tech Founders | Nomiki Petrolla | Founder & CEO of Theanna, a Female Founder Network for Tech Entrepreneurs
Nomiki Petrolla is on a mission to close the access gap for women in tech. As founder and CEO of Theanna, a SaaS platform helping women turn ideas into scalable companies, she’s changing what it means to be a startup founder. In this episode, Kara and Nomiki talk about why mindset matters more than perfection, how to build in public, and why some communities fail while others thrive. You’ll hear how a family crisis changed Nomiki’s entire trajectory, the difference between “idea people” and “doer people,” and why getting customers matters more than just pitching. This episode explores women in tech, startup mindset, and community-led growth.
“My mission is to close the access gap—because before you talk about funding, you need access.”
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Follow along using the Transcript
(00:00:00) - Introducing Nomiki Petrolla and Theanna’s mission
(00:01:00) - Leaving corporate tech to build something new
(00:03:00) - Solving access gaps in women-led startups
(00:06:00) - From consulting to productizing a solution
(00:08:00) - Women in tech: gaps, patterns, and market insights
(00:10:00) - How AI is reshaping startup access and MVPs
(00:14:00) - A family emergency and a life-changing decision
(00:18:00) - Theanna’s curated community and what makes it work
(00:22:00) - Founder mindset: why fear is the real blocker
(00:27:00) - Routines, rituals, and support at home
(00:31:00) - Building from Columbus, Ohio, not Silicon Valley
(00:34:00) - Talking to customers and selling like a founder
(00:37:00) - Final thoughts on community, courage, and growth
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Instagram: nomikipetrolla
Website: theanna.io
LinkedIn: nomikipetrolla
TikTok: @nomikipetrolla
Email: nomiki@theanna.io
Created and hosted by Kara Duffy
Audio Engineering & Editing by Jordan Duffy
Production by Amanda Kass
Graphic design by Anna Olinova
Music by Joakim Karud
