Introduction

Lenka Huang’s passion for empowering women in tech leadership is palpable. As the co-founder of B.E.L.L.E, she has embarked on a mission to ensure that cutting-edge startups and unicorn companies include at least one woman founder or executive. In this episode of the Founder Spotlight Podcast, Lenka shared her inspiring journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the innovative strategies she’s using to disrupt the nonprofit space.

Built on the values of entrepreneurship and empowerment, B.E.L.L.E is not just about inclusion—it’s about driving structural change in one of the most male-dominated industries. Join us as we dive into Lenka’s story, her lessons, and her vision for the future of women in tech.

Origin Story

B.E.L.L.E, which stands for Founders, Entrepreneurship, Liberty, Liaison, and Empowerment, wasn’t always the organization it is today. Lenka revealed that the nonprofit began its journey seven years ago in Seattle. Initially operating under the name "Grow of Entrepreneurs," the organization spent years running events and building a community.

However, 2023 marked a major turning point. Lenka and her co-founder decided to completely rebrand and refocus their efforts. As she put it, “We wanted to reflect the deeper devotion and dedication we have to amplifying women’s success in the tech world.” This required both of them to leave their full-time jobs and commit themselves to scaling B.E.L.L.E as a vibrant startup-like nonprofit organization.

“My personal drive really comes from witnessing women either thrive or face challenges in their entrepreneurial journeys, and wanting to make a difference.”

Challenges & Breakthroughs

The transition from “Grow of Entrepreneurs” to B.E.L.L.E wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Lenka identified was the misconception surrounding nonprofits. “People still think nonprofits shouldn't be profitable,” she said, “but sustainability is key to achieving our mission.”

Lenka and her team had to shift mindsets, not just within themselves but also among their community and stakeholders. They began approaching the nonprofit space with a for-profit business mindset. This meant:

• Becoming laser-focused on identifying their target audience's needs.
• Developing revenue streams to sustain their work.
• Designing innovative models to deliver value for their community.

From this mindset shift grew an exciting new approach to revenue generation, which combined traditional methods with fresh ideas. Lenka was quick to point out, “Challenges like these are what excite me as an entrepreneur because they push us to innovate.”

Product & Market Insights

B.E.L.L.E has developed a unique array of revenue streams to ensure sustainability while serving its mission. One of its standout innovations is a hybrid “silent auction/retail model.” Here’s how it works:

• Leaders, founders, and mentors in the tech community donate their products, services, or even their time to B.E.L.L.E.
• B.E.L.L.E offers these donations to community members, either at a significantly reduced price or via a silent auction.
• This creates a win-win-win scenario: community members access high-value resources affordably, donors gain exposure to potential customers, and B.E.L.L.E generates revenue that supports its mission.

“Think about coaching time from the CTO of Zoom—offered to our members at a fraction of the cost!”

Beyond this model, B.E.L.L.E generates revenue through:

• Ticket sales and sponsorships for large-scale events, such as workshops and panel discussions.
• Individual donations from supporters who believe in their mission.
• Paid programs, including women’s retreats and industry-wide conferences planned for 2024.

This blend of innovation and scalability positions B.E.L.L.E as a disruptive force not just in the nonprofit sector but in the tech ecosystem as a whole.

Leadership & Company Culture

Leadership is at the heart of B.E.L.L.E’s culture. Lenka emphasized that the organization’s leaders must embody its values of inclusivity, transparency, and empathy. As founders, she and her co-founder lead by example, setting the tone for the entire organization.

“How you interact as a leader directly shapes the culture of your organization.”

However, B.E.L.L.E also gives its local chapters the flexibility to create their own unique cultures. Lenka shared that trusting the right leadership in each branch is key to striking this balance. Instead of a formal hiring process, they rely on personal connections to identify passionate, capable individuals to lead their local chapters. “We’re constantly on the lookout for people who share our passion and vision,” she said.

Lessons & Advice

For founders of mission-driven organizations, Lenka offered a piece of critical advice: treat your nonprofit like a for-profit business.

• Understand your audience’s biggest pain points and design solutions around them.
• Build programs, communities, or services as “products” that deliver measurable value.
• Focus on sustainability by creating revenue streams that align with your mission.

“You need to think like a product manager. Nonprofits don’t grow just by surviving—they thrive when they create great products for their audience.”

Future Vision

Looking ahead to 2024, Lenka has big goals for B.E.L.L.E. Top of the list? Doubling their community from 18,000 to 36,000 members. Here’s how they plan to get there:

• Rolling out full-scale programs and events, including industry-wide conferences.
• Expanding geographically, with New York, Boston, and Chicago as the next target cities.
• Introducing a tiered membership model that provides tailored value for members at different stages of their journey.

But the vision doesn’t stop at the U.S.—Lenka hopes to take B.E.L.L.E global, influencing tech hubs all over the world. “If we can ensure that every cutting-edge startup and unicorn has women’s representation in leadership, we’ll know we’re moving the needle,” she concluded.