Startup consulting* for first-time founders who want to launch a business built for profitability & lasting growth.
You have a big vision. But data shows it takes most startups 10 years to become truly successful — and 90% won’t even make it that long. For decades I’ve been helping founders like you become one of the 10%.
Business Plans • Financial Projections • Advising • Coaching
Startup Consultant + Advisor + Coach
You’ve spent years, maybe decades, becoming an expert in your field. You have a big, ambitious vision and you’re finally ready to make it real — but have no idea where to start.
The stakes feel high because they are. You want freedom, but not at the cost of losing what you’ve built. You still need to support your family, fund retirement, maybe pay for kids’ college. You’re not looking to gamble everything on a dream.
Here’s what most people don’t tell you: The idea that you should automatically know how to build a business from scratch simply because you’re successful in your career is pure fiction. They’re completely different skill sets.
Financials, operations, customers, story, fundraising — you need to understand all of it. Not surface level. Deep enough to make informed decisions and know when something’s off.
There’s no earthly reason you’d already know how to do this. That’s why you get expert guidance before you leap — not after.
It all starts at Stage Zero.
Stage Zero is the idea stage and just beyond. The “I’ve got a vision, but don’t know what to do next” stage.
Most startup consultants, advisors, incubators, and accelerators skip right past the idea stage. They jump straight to tactics: build your MVP, grow your social media, pitch investors.
None of that matters if the foundation isn’t there. Without it, you’re building on quicksand.
Every smart move — or expensive mistake — starts right here. At Stage Zero.
Meet the Founder + Principal
It’s time to stop wasting time guessing and pivoting — and start profiting.
Hi, I’m Diane Tarshis. I provide 1:1 startup consulting, advising, and coaching (simultaneously) to first-time founders who’ve never built a business before.
Together, we get in the weeds on everything from stress-testing your idea and refining your offerings to your financials and pricing. As part of the process you learn how to think like the CEO of your business.
Since graduating from the Wharton School and leaving the frenzy of Wall Street behind, I’ve spent 20-plus years helping entrepreneurs from all walks of life fast-track profitability and get funded (if they want).
I’ve worked with founders in industries ranging from clean energy to life sciences, retail to consumer products, entertainment, food & beverage, tech of all kinds… and distilleries, of course.
Some of my clients have become leaders in their industry, others have made multimillion-dollar exits, while still others have achieved their dream of a life that gives them flexibility and financial freedom.
But one thing they’ve all had in common is this: They refused to leave their success up to trial and error.
If you’re ready to seek out expert guidance,
let’s see if I’m the right fit for you.
Learn more about Diane
This is your shot. Let’s make it count.
Whether you want to fast-track profitability or raise funds, you’re in the right place.
1
A Modern
Business Plan
I call it a Business Blueprint — the operating manual for your startup.
Traditional business plans were built for a different era. A Business Blueprint distills what actually matters most: your value proposition, business model, operations, and path to profitability. No filler. No fluff. A modern, practical plan so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. 99% of my clients seeking funding have secured it. That’s not a coincidence.
2
Investor-Ready
Financial Projections
The numbers that prove your story — and fund your future.
Financial spreadsheets don’t have to feel like ancient hieroglyphics. You need a clear financial picture — how much you need to launch, what it costs to run your business, and when you’ll be profitable. That’s what I build — clear projections that hold up under scrutiny, whether you’re pitching investors or want to be sure you don’t run out of cash before you hit profitability.
3
90-Minute
Founder Intensive
Roadblock? Tough call? Knowledge gap? Let’s fix that.
Sometimes you don’t need a months-long engagement — you just need 90 minutes of laser-focused, expert guidance. Whether you’re facing a roadblock, critical decision, or something you need to understand before you can move forward, this session is designed to get you unstuck. Want to see how one question changes everything? Click below.
Or just call me: (773) 871-0110
“Diane’s unique collaborative approach helped us build a stronger business.
Her guidance was a key reason we were able to secure investors.
She had the experience to quickly recognize our core strengths, and challenged us in an effort to improve our concept.”
Figo Pet Insurance
Result: $250M exit; acquired by German conglomerate.
“Diane distilled my ideas into a business plan that not only set us on the right course, but got us investor funding.
She listened to my random and disjointed thoughts — then turned them into a coherent plan.
I cannot say enough about how skilled, intelligent, and fun to work with she is.”
Dan Szor
Cotswolds Distillery
Result: England’s largest whisky producer.
“Diane’s business plan secured us a $100,000 business loan within 48 hours.
Our plan gave us credibility with our investors and enabled us to then secure $1 million.
There is no question we couldn’t have done it without her.”
Terri Graham
Cuvée Lounge
Result: Secured $100,000 business loan in 48 hours, then $1 million from investors.
of my clients who sought funding secured it.
pivots for clients who do the work.
Not For Public Consumption PODCAST – WITH DIANE TARSHIS
Listen Up. Level Up.
Start It Up
Stop Saying You Don’t Have Time to Start a Business
Why Founders 40+ Are More Likely to Succeed
Launching a Startup? Don’t Skip This One Thing
The Difference Between Profit & Loss and Cash Flow Projections
