Zoya Lehrer, Co-Founder and CEO of Orgo, is no stranger to the complexities of leading a startup. With over 20 years of experience as a technologist, she has developed a deep understanding of technology and its transformative potential. However, as a founder, Zoya Lehrer quickly realized that being a successful entrepreneur requires more than technical expertise—it demands a constant willingness to learn and adapt, especially in areas that might seem outside one’s core competencies.
Zoya Lehrer’s Journey to Entrepreneurship Zoya Lehrer’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a passion for technology and a desire to solve real-world problems. As the co-founder of Orgo, a bootstrapped startup that powers the logistics of daily life, Zoya Lehrer has embraced the challenges and triumphs of building a company from the ground up. Despite her extensive background in technology, Zoya Lehrer found herself navigating unfamiliar terrain as she took on the financial side of running a business.
In one of her LinkedIn posts, Zoya Lehrer shared insights about how financial modeling, something she had little experience with in her early career, became a crucial skill she needed to master as a founder. She participated in the NY Startup Finance salon, where experts discussed financial models, revenue drivers, and the importance of asking investors the right questions. For Zoya Lehrer, this event highlighted the necessity of acquiring new skills, particularly in areas like finance, which are critical to the success of any startup.
Learning and Growing as a Founder As a technologist for two decades, Zoya Lehrer admits that financial modeling was never her strength. However, as a founder, she recognized that understanding the financial landscape is essential. During the NY Startup Finance salon, Zoya Lehrer absorbed invaluable lessons on how early-stage companies should approach financial planning. Kelly Lyons of Lyonshare advised that an income statement is the most appropriate financial model for startups, focusing on outlining the clearest path to revenue and identifying key revenue drivers.
Zoya Lehrer, always eager to learn, took these insights to heart. The lessons she learned about the importance of financial modeling and experimentation directly impacted her approach to Orgo’s growth. She realized that building a successful startup requires more than just a great product; it demands a deep understanding of the financial mechanisms that sustain the business.
The Importance of Asking Questions One of the standout moments for Zoya Lehrer during the NY Startup Finance salon was the emphasis on asking investors the right questions. Ryan Keating, a panelist at the event, encouraged founders to ask investors direct questions about their capital deployment and expectations. For Zoya Lehrer, this advice was a game-changer. Founders, he said, should ask investors questions like, “Are you actively deploying capital?” and “What are the next steps and when can I follow up?” This approach empowers founders to gain clarity on investor intentions and to build more transparent, productive relationships.
Zoya Lehrer also absorbed the advice of Paul Ellis, who emphasized that the board of a company is an instrument dedicated to its success. He cautioned that board meetings should never be the place for surprises—founders should over-communicate before the meeting. These insights resonated deeply with Zoya Lehrer, as she understood the importance of maintaining a transparent and open relationship with the board.
Diversity and Thoughtful Leadership Another important takeaway from the event was the need for diversity in the boardroom. Breen Sullivan of The Fourth Effect emphasized the importance of filling observer and independent board seats with individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences. Zoya Lehrer, a champion of diversity herself, understands how critical this is to the success of any organization. Diversity of thought is not just a buzzword; it’s a driver of innovation and growth.
As a female founder in the male-dominated tech industry, Zoya Lehrer knows firsthand the challenges that come with being underrepresented. Her commitment to building a diverse and inclusive environment at Orgo is a reflection of her belief that diversity drives better decision-making, fosters creativity, and ultimately leads to more successful outcomes.
Building in Public and Growing with Orgo Zoya Lehrer is not just committed to building a company; she’s committed to building in public. In her own words, she has pledged to grow Orgo transparently, sharing her uncut journey as a female founder with the world. This openness and authenticity are rare in a world where entrepreneurs often feel pressure to present only the highlights of their journey. But Zoya Lehrer’s approach is different—she understands the power of vulnerability and the importance of sharing both the highs and the lows of entrepreneurship.
As she continues to grow Orgo, Zoya Lehrer remains focused on powering the logistics of daily life through her startup. Despite the challenges that come with being a bootstrapped company, she is determined to build a business that not only solves real-world problems but also empowers others along the way.
Zoya Lehrer’s Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Zoya Lehrer is excited about the future of Orgo and the impact it will have on the logistics industry. She believes that technology has the power to simplify and streamline the way we manage our daily lives, and Orgo is at the forefront of this movement. Her vision for the company is one where data and technology work seamlessly together to solve the logistical challenges that individuals and businesses face every day.
Zoya Lehrer’s journey from technologist to founder has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her ability to upskill in areas like financial modeling and investor relations demonstrates her commitment to not only her own growth but also the success of Orgo.
Zoya Lehrer’s story is one of continuous learning, leadership, and innovation. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Orgo, she is proving that with the right mindset and a willingness to adapt, anything is possible. Through her dedication to building in public, Zoya Lehrer is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to embrace transparency, ask the right questions, and never stop learning. And as Orgo continues to grow, Zoya Lehrer’s influence and impact on the logistics industry are sure to be profound.
