Meet Genefer Baxter, Co-Founder of Naviri
“Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.”
For Genefer, building a startup is about reducing uncertainty and giving founders clarity at every step. Through Naviri, she has created the first decision intelligence platform built specifically for startups. The platform helps founders structure their ventures digitally, validate decisions with real data, and spot risks and opportunities before they become obstacles.
“I co-founded Naviri because I’ve lived the struggle myself,” she said. “It was overwhelming to make decisions on assumptions and constantly worry about missing something critical. If it was this hard for me, what about the millions of other founders trying to make an impact?”
The problem she refused to ignore
Genefer spent years working alongside innovators and running entrepreneurship programs with partners like H&M and the UC Science Center. She saw that early-stage founders often drown in advice and resources without knowing what truly applies to their situation. “Even with great coaches and incubator programmes, I still struggled to make informed business decisions,” she said. “Naviri is my way of scaling that support.”
“I’m scratching my own itch, building the tool I wish I had from the start.”
The moment it crystallised
A turning point came when she stepped out of the “cave” of developing the platform in isolation and started building a community around it. Sharing the journey on social media helped her sharpen the vision and connect with people who supported her because they felt part of the story. “It also made me feel less isolated as a founder; I realised I wasn’t building alone,” she said.
Why Blocks of Change is different
Naviri combines the team’s firsthand founder experience with deep expertise in product, design, and AI. Unlike standalone tools, the platform integrates advice, frameworks, and resources into a structured system. Genefer’s approach turns fragmented information into actionable insights, giving founders clarity, confidence, and speed. The platform also actively connects users, creating a supportive ecosystem for learning and growth.
How she leads
Genefer’s leadership style reflects her personality: determined, growth-oriented, and hands-on. “I lead by example,” she said. “I wouldn’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t take on myself. I focus on creating an environment where people feel empowered, take ownership, and thrive.” She encourages a culture of excellence, where learning from mistakes is part of the process.
What she’s building right now
Naviri is currently developing an AI that detects both risks and opportunities for startup projects within the platform. Genefer is excited because so many startups fail from scaling too early or overlooking market shifts. “Founders will never have to be blindsided again,” she said. “The AI will help them uncover contradictions, challenge assumptions, and spot areas for improvement before it’s too late.”
Founderland and finding her people
Being part of Founderland has provided knowledge, opportunities, and connections that have directly supported her growth. She values the community of women founders of colour, peers who understand her journey, and mentors who open doors. “It’s a reminder that we’re stronger together, and that representation truly matters,” she said.
Her biggest challenge—and how she moved through it
One of her biggest challenges has been knowing which next steps to take amidst the flood of advice and opinions. “Not all guidance is relevant or timely,” she said. “I’ve learned to deeply understand who I am, what my company stands for, and where we’re headed. It allows me to filter the noise, focus on what matters, and move forward with confidence.”
Advice to her past self
“Ask more questions, listen deeply, and learn before forcing an idea onto the world,” she said. “I used to skip the listening part, eager to push ideas out. Progress comes from curiosity and understanding, not just conviction.”
Who inspires her
Genefer draws inspiration from Emma Grede, a serial entrepreneur and powerhouse businesswoman. She admires how Grede owns her ambition and femininity while building with strategy and vision. “With hard work and the right relationships, you can build something impactful regardless of where you start,” Genefer said.
How she stays grounded
She recharges by stepping away from work and allowing herself time to rest. Long walks, running, calisthenics, and even playing farming video games help her reset. She constantly returns to her north star: the founders she supports, the green economy she is helping build, and the family she wants to grow alongside. “Keeping those things in focus keeps me moving forward,” she said.
A mantra she lives by
“Connective, continuous growth, navigating.”
These three words guide both her personal mindset and her work at Naviri. They reflect the power of relationships, the importance of learning and evolving, and the guidance she provides to early-stage innovators.
Follow Genefer’s Journey
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