Theresia Gouw’s Post

#WomenInvestors #DEIinvestments #VentureCapital SERENA WILLIAMS SHARES HER VC FUND’S ‘MISSION’ TO INVEST IN WOMEN AND DIVERSITY, AND THE 14 COMPANIES THAT REACHED UNICORN STATUS Serena Williams recently explained the groundbreaking work she's doing with her venture capital fund Serena Ventures. Since launching Serena Ventures, her fund’s portfolio includes 79% underrepresented founders, 54% women founders, 47% Black founders, and 11% Latino founders. Among her company’s highlighted investments is the company Parfait. This Black-woman-owned wig customization platform provides all women with an AI-backed virtual experience with a wide range of styles. “My portfolio kind of leans more toward women and people of color because when people are talking about diversity that really means everyone having a seat at the table. Everyone having a chance to win,” Williams said. - some thing interesting to read. Women led Investors believing in building DEI portfolios https://lnkd.in/gQBEcTtZ

“A lot of investors are driven by heat, versus being driven by true innovation,” There is so much truth in this sentence. This mindset makes things very challenging for founders with physical products and consumer goods. Physical products are not in fashion. On several occasions, I was advised to include a tech aspect to the vision I have of Nyfasi to make it easier to raise. The heat factor also influences the stage at which you can raise. For example, consumer goods founders become investable once their startups are revenue-generating. Founders in hot fields have a higher chance of raising at the idea stage. Terri Burns's mindset is refreshing!

How often do you see 2 women leading a conversation about venture capital? More, please! Last night, I had the good fortune to share and learn insights from the ecosystem of impact investing in a great discussion with Bailey Hanley, generously hosted by Ryan Frederick and AWH. I’m passionate about demystifying venture and empowering undererecognized, underfunded entrepreneurs to achieve in the way they define success. Venture is a powerful tool, but not the singular path to achieving the dream. Our 1:1 fireside chat about the important work of the Ohio Impact Fund and Venture Atlas transitioning to an engaging conversation where everyone in the room participated was powerful, and how we start to affect the change we need to see. Our region is making some advancements in amplifying equity for diverse, purpose-driven founders, and — so much more is needed. Every time we make space for new voices and embrace new ideas, we innovate at a faster rate. In our pursuit of better, together — ➡️ LFG Thank you Bailey, Ryan, and everyone who participated! Emily Stuhldreher Owen Myers Libby Villavicencio Lori Lutz Ken Hewes Morgan Koth, FMHC, CFP Anthony R. Nomiki Petrolla Rachyl Kershaw Photo cred: Wolf Starr

At RevTech Labs Capital, we are lucky to be partnered with some of the best venture capital funds in the industry. One of which is RevUp Capital, who offer founder-focused, non-dilutive funding for early stage companies. RevUp Capital distinguishes itself as a beacon of support for early-stage companies navigating the $1M-$10M growth curve. Their founder-focused approach prioritizes preserving equity, optionality, and autonomy while providing essential resources and guidance for success. Utilizing a non-dilutive funding model, RevUp Capital combines investment with hands-on support to fortify companies with scalable infrastructure necessary for sustained growth. With a deep understanding of the journey from $1M-$10M, their seasoned leadership team, led by Allan Tear and Melissa Withers, seeks to redefine entrepreneurial success beyond conventional VC metrics. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of their ethos. Over 60% of their investments have supported companies with at least one female founder, and 30% have backed companies with a black or brown founder, amplifying voices often underrepresented in the startup ecosystem. RevUp Capital's revenue-based investment model ensures alignment with founder success, eschewing equity stakes for a small percentage of revenue until reaching a cap. With a typical investment of $350-400K, they strategically select about 10-12 companies annually, providing tailored support through their in-house Growth Platform. RevTech Labs Capital and RevUp Capital share a common mission, we don't merely invest; we partner with founders on a shared trek to revolutionize the startup journey. If you are a founder with a transformative vision, RevUp Capital offers a wonderful journey of conquering the $1M-$10M curve and fostering a more equitable future. Want to learn more and see if you and your company are a good fit? Check out the bonus content pasted below! https://lnkd.in/eVAJfawZ

New Post: Fearless Fund Receives Strong Show of Support from Venture Capital Community - https://lnkd.in/d-rm64Bs 70 venture funds have banded together to sign an open letter denouncing the lawsuit against Fearless Fund. The lawsuit, filed by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, alleges that Fearless Fund is operating a “racially discriminatory program” by only investing in Black women-led startups. The venture funds who signed the letter argue that the lawsuit is “meritless” and that it is an attempt to “silence” Fearless Fund and other funds that are committed to investing in underrepresented founders. The letter states that “Fearless Fund is a critical resource for Black women entrepreneurs, and the lawsuit is an attack on... #Venturecapital #VC #investment #LP #Limited Partner

Special thank you to BLCK VC for featuring our newest Partner, Kwesi Quaye, as the “Community Spotlight” in their most recent newsletter. Kwesi shares the skinny on his career path and his journey into VC. Click the link here to read more about Kwesi and his thoughts on the changing landscape of the venture capital industry: https://lnkd.in/ekHzYAZj

I believe angel investments will play a more significant role this year compared to other forms of investment. No, I'm not an angel investor.....yet! And I don't work in venture capital. However, based on the past year's data, with 3200 startups failing and $27B disappearing into thin air (Article link below), I believe this strongly. Furthermore, a recent post by Peter Walker from Carta featured a chart stating, 'Small angel checks make a big impact.' (Article link below) He noted that 'Small checks (under $25k) constituted 62% of all checks signed in the earliest rounds (those under $250K total raised). Even rounds just under $1 million saw significant participation from small checks.' So that's why I LOVE this article by Sergio Paluch at Beta Boom, as it highlights the most active female angel investors according to Crunchbase. Some notable ones include: ⭐ Cyan Banister ⭐ Caterina Fake ⭐ Marissa Mayer ⭐ Julia Popowitz ⭐ Kim Perell ⭐ Julie McDermott If you're new to fundraising, especially if you're a woman or a minority founder, I highly encourage you to consider angel investors. What are your thoughts on this? Links to all articles below. #robynsthoughts #angelinvesting #womeninvc

Great article by Beta Boom on the top female angel investors according to Crunchbase. If you're a woman raising funds for your startup, you should absolutely consider angels for your first check. #championingwomen #angelinvesting #womeninvc