Being a founder in business school sounds impressive.
But what is it actually like to juggle investors, international teammates, and 6 AM calls while your classmates are just trying to figure out what club to join?
In this episode of The MBA Golden Buzzer, Stanford GSB student and founder Renata de Marsillac returns to share what it really takes to launch and grow a company during your MBA.
From co-founding with her mom to tapping into Silicon Valley’s ecosystem, this is a conversation every aspiring founder needs to hear.
The Startup Was Already in Motion
Renata didn’t arrive at GSB hoping to find an idea. She was already building her startup in the shipping decarbonization space alongside her co-founder—her mother—before classes even started.
“We were already working full-time by May,” she said. “We knew we couldn’t wait. The regulations we’re responding to take effect in 2027.”
That urgency is what drove her to say yes to launching while studying, despite the advice of many professors to wait until her second year.
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You Can’t Do It All. And That’s the Point
From the outside, Stanford looks like a buffet of opportunity. But when you’re already building something, the key isn’t doing everything. It’s learning to say no.
“I had to let go of the idea of getting perfect grades,” Renata said. “There’s grade non-disclosure. So you have to ask—what is the return on my time?”
She’s selective about clubs, prioritizes classes that apply directly to her business, and treats school projects as a way to accelerate product development.
You Don’t Have to Be Looking for Funding to Benefit from VC Access
Renata assumed Stanford’s VC ecosystem would not be for her. After all, her company is not traditionally VC-backable. But those early doubts didn’t last.
“The conversations have been so valuable,” she said. “Even if they aren’t investing, they’re asking the right questions. They make you think sharper.”
And the networking snowballs. “You start sharing your idea, and people start sending you connections. That’s how I got in touch with someone who is working with sustainable fuels in Brazil. That call never would have happened if I hadn’t put myself out there.”
The Location Really Does Matter
Renata is quick to point out that being in the Bay Area is not just a brochure line. The guest speakers, the alumni base, and even the “Facebook House” all contribute to a sense of energy and possibility that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
“It feels like this is where things happen,” she said. “And that pushes you to believe you can build something real.”
It’s Not About Having All the Answers
When asked what she wishes she’d done differently, Renata doesn’t name a specific strategy or decision. Instead, she reflects on mindset.
“I wish I had believed this path was possible for me earlier,” she said. “I never thought entrepreneurship was something I could do.”
That shift—seeing herself as a builder, not just a consultant—was one of the most important parts of the journey. And it’s something she hopes more MBA students are open to.
GOLDEN BUZZER TIP: Don’t Start a Business in Year One Unless You’re Sure
Renata is clear. If you are curious about starting a company, GSB is a great place to explore. But if you are unsure, wait until the second year.
“This isn’t something to do just to say you did it,” she said. “You need to know why it has to be you, and why it has to be now.”
That clarity is what makes the sleepless nights worth it, and the learning so much deeper.
You Don’t Need a Startup to Get Into Stanford—You Need a Game Plan That Works.
When Renata applied to GSB, she hadn’t launched her startup yet. She partnered with Ellin Lolis Consulting to craft an application that reflected her real strengths—her leadership, her clarity, and her drive to make a difference.
Now she’s at Stanford, building her startup and shaping her future on her own terms.
That is what we do best. We help high-potential candidates cut through the noise, shape bold yet grounded narratives, and build applications that admissions officers cannot ignore.
With a 98.9% success rate and a deep understanding of what top MBA programs actually value, we don’t just help you apply. We help you win.
Apply to work with us here, and let’s craft a Stanford-worthy strategy together.
