I raised $9.75 million for my health and wellness company as a Black female founder. Here's how I did it and found the right investors.

• Vanessa Rissetto launched Culina Health in February 2020 with her cofounder, Tamar Samuels.
• The duo has raised $9.75 million in VC, a major accomplishment for two Black female entrepreneurs. 
• As of 2022, only a few hundred Black or Latina women founders have raised $1 million or more in VC.

Twenty years ago, Vanessa Rissetto didn't know how food could affect a person's health. Growing up, her Haitian mother, who was known for showing her love through cooking, prepared most every meal for Rissetto. So when she moved to college, it was the first time Rissetto was responsible for feeding herself. The nights of pizza and fast food made her wonder how food could potentially harm her health.