Ever watch a surfer catch the perfect wave, balancing skill, vision, and a bit of daring all at once? That’s just the vibe of our latest podcast episode featuring Madison Rifkin, the young, passionate founder and CEO of the travel tech startup Mount.
Hosted by our VP & Strategic Partnerships Director, Cass Cross, this episode of the How She Got Here podcast takes us into what it means to start a business, pivot industries like a pro, and use social media to fuel startup growth.
The sixth episode is a goldmine of ideas on how to start a travel business, make fruitful connections, or simply get inspired. So, if you’re wondering what it takes to approach a Gen Z-focused venture, this one’s for you!
Believe us when we say Madison Rifkin’s tale is one of the most intriguing entrepreneurial success stories we’ve heard. So, strap in for a ride that proves that age is just a number when starting a business!
Madison Rifkin’s Journey from Young Entrepreneur to CEO
Since childhood, Madison Rifkin has always been a problem-solver. She focused on networking on LinkedIn as a college student, which gave her a leg-up on her peers.
Now at 26, she leads Mount, her Gen Z travel startup that uncovers hidden gems and fosters authentic local experiences.
During the conversation with Cass, she revealed she is using her curiosity to build an influential brand in the travel tech industry. She also talks about the power of leaning on mentors, growing a network, and staying true to your vision despite your age.
Starting a Business at 12: The Early Days of Innovation
Her Madison Rifkin entrepreneur era began at the age of 12 when she invented a retractable bike lock after getting tired of constantly misplacing hers. Winning a local invention competition set her off on a path of building a business.
Over time, she learned about the patent process, manufacturing challenges, and, yes, figuring out how to handle legal paperwork as a middle-schooler.
Her story shows women in entrepreneurship the power of dreaming big early on in life and refusing to take “no” for an answer.
The Evolution of Mount: From Bike Locks to Travel Tech
What started as a bike lock concept eventually evolved when Madison noticed an opportunity in the emerging scooter-share wave. She pitched lock ideas to micro-mobility companies and city governments and eventually pivoted to a larger vision: revolutionizing the travel industry innovation space.
Mount is now riding on the wave of Gen Z business trends aimed at helping travelers avoid tourist traps and discover hidden gems worldwide. Madison’s passion for the travel business shines through as she discusses building a community-driven brand that highlights off-the-beaten-path experiences!
How Madison Rifkin Built a Strong Network
Networking can be intimidating, especially for young founders. Madison overcame this by relentlessly reaching out to potential mentors, even as a college student. Her strategy for startup growth was simple: Emphasize her student status to pique interest and ask for advice before asking for funding.
So, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself. The worst outcome is a “no,” which shouldn’t set you back. You’ll have a high failure rate, but Madison’s story shows that all you need is 1 yes to change everything.
Using LinkedIn for Cold Outreach and Mentorship
Whether you’re reaching out for funding or seeking knowledge, networking on LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful tools a professional has in their toolbelt.
Madison credits the professional networking platform for introducing her to industry leaders, city officials, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Tip: Start by building a monthly email update or newsletter. Investors and mentors love to see progress over time. Before you know it, you’ll have people rooting for your success and possibly funding it!
The Role of Startup Accelerators and Funding
Madison didn’t just rely on personal savings and free mentorship to turn Mount into a thriving venture. She participated in a startup accelerator in Hawaii. Its resources and community really helped refine Mount’s concept.
With clear-headed startup funding strategies, she raised $1.2 million through a combination of pitch competitions, networking events, and relationship-building. Her story proves that you can secure the backing you need if you show consistent progress and have a solid pitch.
Lessons on Marketing and Social Media Growth
If you think a young founder relies on luck a lot, think again. Madison’s marketing strategy is all about data-driven social media marketing for startups
While talking with Cass, she emphasizes how she believes in testing, iterating, and engaging. Moreover, she highlights the importance of using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to build organic brand awareness and customer loyalty at a comparatively low cost per acquisition.
How Mount Uses TikTok to Build an Engaged Travel Community
When Mount started, Madison Rifkin personally documented the brand’s journey in public on TikTok. She shared day-to-day anecdotes, brand milestones, and behind-the-scenes challenges. All of this was perfect for a Gen Z travel startup.
But why TikTok? According to Madison, the platform’s discovery-based algorithm offers a massive advantage, connecting you with the very niche that craves your content. For Madison, that niche was the travel tech industry—and it paid off in a big way!
The Shift from TikTok to Instagram for Organic Growth
During the episode, Madison and Cass discuss that as TikTok pivoted more toward a shopping focus, Instagram began gaining traction again for organic reach.
Needless to say, adapting is an essential tactic in social media marketing for startups. So, Madison maximized the potential of both platforms by being flexible and following where her audience was most active.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Women in Business
Women in entrepreneurship often face doubters who may assume they hold more junior positions. In the heartfelt conversation with Cass, Madison shared that people often unknowingly underestimated her.
What we’ve learned from Madison is to stand your ground, deliver your pitch with confidence, and don’t let anyone’s assumptions hold you back.
So, whether you’re 12 or 42, you can follow her lead:
- Take the leap – Don’t wait for perfect conditions.
- Seek mentors – Everyone needs guidance and a sounding board.
- Celebrate small wins – Every success, no matter how minor, is a building block toward your startup growth.
Overcoming Challenges as a Female Founder
From being mistaken for someone’s assistant to adjusting to “bro” cultures in certain industries, Madison’s resilience stands out. She capitalized on her unique perspective, forming strategic partnerships and building a community of strong, supportive women like Ashley Ching (CEO of Inhaven).
If there’s one takeaway, it’s that perseverance, authenticity, and a willingness to learn can knock down more barriers than you’d think. And never be afraid to ask for help along the way if you need it. Expert-led eCommerce consulting services might show you the right direction if you ever feel lost.
Key Lessons for Building Confidence and Pitching Investors
The Madison Rifkin entrepreneur spirit is on full display throughout the HSGH episode.
Here are three major lessons for people wanting to write their own entrepreneurial success stories:
- Practice public speaking: Regular exposure to audiences (even in a classroom) builds comfort and polish to positively influence people.
- Document your journey: Establish credibility through consistent, transparent updates to your audience.
- Remember your ‘why’: Keep your purpose in mind; it’ll guide you when the going gets tough.
Listen to Madison Rifkin for More Entrepreneurial Insights
Every expedition, whether it’s scaling Everest or launching a startup, begins with that first step. Madison’s journey—from the 12-year-old inventor to leading Mount—is proof that it’s never too early (or too late) to make your mark.
Be sure to tune in to the full podcast episode on YouTube and Spotify as Cass and Madison talk about everything from travel industry innovation to the future of Gen Z business trends. Also, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram for all future updates!
At Cronix, we believe in fueling the ambitions of visionaries like you. We deliver industry-best ecommerce development solutions to help you create and launch an engaging online store and optimize your digital presence.
Schedule a free consultation today for the strategic guidance you need to scale.
The How She Got Here podcast is proudly sponsored by Cronix, a full-service eCommerce Agency. We have many enlightening episodes lined up for you in the near future. So, stay tuned for more!