29. Pitching Pleasure: What It’s Really Like to Be a Founder in a Taboo Industry
Mon Apr 14 2025
Hey There Risers & Thrivers,
In this episode, host Janine introduces the new series format called The Taboo Table, bringing together founders in the pleasure and sex tech industry to discuss the challenges and nuances of building businesses in this stigmatized space. Guests:
Yasmin Stokinger- Founder of heyyoli,
Rosanna Bandomer- Co-Founder of LubeLab,
Avelina de Ment- Co-Founder of LubeLab, and
Lex Gillon- Pleasure Researcher & Founder of Modality Group
Talk about the societal taboos surrounding pleasure, the lack of funding for pleasure products, and their personal motivations for entering the industry. They share their experiences with investors, the importance of education about pleasure, and tips for new founders in this space.
The conversation emphasizes the blend of professional, personal, and social challenges they face, while also highlighting the supportive community and opportunities within pleasure and sex tech.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the Taboo Table
02:25 Redefining Pleasure in the Startup World
07:14 The Intersection of Pleasure and Health Tech
18:36 Personal Journeys and Motivations
33:23 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Advice
37:53 Challenges with Investors and Funding
39:01 Exploring Alternative Funding Options
46:08 Dealing with Sexualization in Business
53:48 Positive Experiences and Community Support
59:27 Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders
--Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast
AcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Jane and the Jam, who provided us with the space to record this episode.
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Hey There Risers & Thrivers, In this episode, host Janine introduces the new series format called The Taboo Table, bringing together founders in the pleasure and sex tech industry to discuss the challenges and nuances of building businesses in this stigmatized space. Guests: Yasmin Stokinger- Founder of heyyoli, Rosanna Bandomer- Co-Founder of LubeLab, Avelina de Ment- Co-Founder of LubeLab, and Lex Gillon- Pleasure Researcher & Founder of Modality Group Talk about the societal taboos surrounding pleasure, the lack of funding for pleasure products, and their personal motivations for entering the industry. They share their experiences with investors, the importance of education about pleasure, and tips for new founders in this space. The conversation emphasizes the blend of professional, personal, and social challenges they face, while also highlighting the supportive community and opportunities within pleasure and sex tech. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the Taboo Table 02:25 Redefining Pleasure in the Startup World 07:14 The Intersection of Pleasure and Health Tech 18:36 Personal Journeys and Motivations 33:23 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Advice 37:53 Challenges with Investors and Funding 39:01 Exploring Alternative Funding Options 46:08 Dealing with Sexualization in Business 53:48 Positive Experiences and Community Support 59:27 Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders --Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast AcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Jane and the Jam, who provided us with the space to record this episode.