Meet Soraya Depowski, the Founder and CEO of Sharely, an impact-focused fintech platform empowering everyday investors to make a measurable difference on societal issues.
Soraya has always felt a profound commitment to addressing systemic challenges affecting those less fortunate around the world. As a second-generation Sri Lankan American, she saw firsthand the disparities in opportunities and privilege that exist around the world. This understanding motivated her to build a career blending finance with philanthropy. After over a decade as a product manager at Goldman Sachs and active involvement in nonprofits, Soraya started Sharely. This platform empowers investors to allocate a portion of their returns toward vetted, data-driven nonprofits tackling global issues. Through Sharely, power and profitability are being shared for the greater good.
We asked Soraya about the founding of Sharely, what she’s learned about creating a supportive team and network, and what advice she has for other entrepreneurs starting out.
Tell us the story behind her company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Sharely?
I have always felt a calling to help empower others born into less fortunate circumstances. As a second-generation Sri Lankan American, I am acutely aware of the privileges I have been afforded and the hardships that my relatives and many others throughout the world endure. This awareness has instilled in me a deep desire to address systemic issues so all people can reach their innate potential.
After spending 11 years as a product manager at Goldman Sachs while deeply involved in the nonprofit world during my free time, I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. My desire to “share” the power and profitability of the capital markets with high-impact nonprofit organizations led me to the concept behind Sharely. By creating a movement of everyday investors donating a fraction of their returns to a curated group of data-driven nonprofits solving the world’s greatest challenges, Sharely aims to meaningfully enhance the lives of millions of people per year.
What problem does Sharely solve?
Millennials and Gen Z are deeply concerned about social and environmental issues and seek companies that reflect their values. They are tired of empty sustainability claims and demand concrete action. Ninety percent of Millennials are interested in sustainable investing, and 65% of all investors are frustrated by the lack of measurable impact in current products.
Sharely bridges the impact gap by seamlessly connecting these impact-driven investors with data-backed organizations tackling global challenges. Investing with Sharely empowers individuals to effortlessly turn their investment account into a powerful tool for change, making a measurable difference in the world as they grow their wealth.
What were the most difficult and most impactful lessons you’ve learned starting and running a company?
Being a startup founder comes with an incredible amount of rejection. It comes from everywhere—investors with reservations about our approach, accelerators and pitch competitions that may or may not provide feedback, prospective clients hesitant to try something new, and even potential team members who aren’t aligned with the vision.
I’ve learned to see each “no” as another important step in the startup journey. Each rejection gives you an opportunity to refine your pitch, re-evaluate your approach, and ultimately, build a stronger and more resilient company.
What have you learned about building a team and a support network around yourself?
Through my entrepreneurial journey with Sharely, I’ve discovered the immense value of building a team of positive and driven individuals who possess complementary skills that exceed my own. This creates a powerful synergy where we can challenge and uplift each other. Perhaps most importantly, I have learned to surround myself with people who possess an unwavering belief in Sharely’s mission. These are the people who will remain steadfast when doubts and setbacks arise, helping me navigate the turbulent waters of early-stage startup life in the pursuit of our guiding star.
What is the advice that has had the biggest impact on your entrepreneurial journey?
Fall in love with the problem, not your product. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the features and functionality of your product. However, that can lead to tunnel vision and you may end up building something that people won’t actually buy.
The real key to success lies in a deep understanding of your customer’s pain points. By focusing on solving their problems effectively, you can iterate and adapt your product to perfectly fit their needs and have a better chance of building a durable business.
Soraya is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.