Oasis Investors Series: AMA with Zoe Peden (Ananda Impact Ventures)

​Raising money sounds simple until you’re pitching, getting interest, and still not getting a yes.

​This session is for early-stage founders who want to understand what investors respond to at pre-seed and seed and how to spot the gaps before another pitch meeting goes nowhere.

​What we’ll cover:

• ​What counts as real early demand (and what doesn’t yet)

• ​Idea-market fit vs traction investors trust

• ​Early go-to-market stories that help, and red flags that hurt

• ​Who your strongest allies really are at this stage (hint: not your pitch deck)

​Why Zoe Peden

​Partner at Ananda Impact Ventures, with decades of experience building companies, sitting on boards, and investing in early-stage founders. The discussion draws on her hands-on work across digital health, TechBio, decarbonisation, NatureTech, and biosecurity, relevant for founders building in regulated or complex markets.

​Moderated by Susan Fowler

​Senior marketing and operations leader who’s helped early and growth-stage companies run their go-to-market from first launch to scale. Co-founder of the Exceptional Talent in Digital Technology Visa Recipient Alumni Network, supporting thousands of international founders and operators in the UK.

​This session works best if you come with real questions. Not polished ones.

​Good fit if you’re:

• ​An international founder preparing to raise (or deciding if it’s too early)

• ​Early-stage, from idea to early traction

• ​Building in deep tech, health, climate, bio, or impact-led sectors

• ​Looking for clear investor signals, not pleasantries.

​You’ll leave with:

​Clearer insight into how investors read your story, which signals matter most, and what to strengthen before your next pitch.

​About the Oasis Investors Series

​The Oasis Investors Series is a set of small-group sessions with active early-stage investors. No pitching, just conversations you won’t find on stage.