Embarc Collective’s Post

We have another trivia for today! 🌟 Did you know that 78% of women entrepreneurs see access to capital as their biggest business challenge? It’s a big number, but here’s why it’s actually exciting news: awareness is growing, and solutions are multiplying. 📈 There are more funds, networks, and platforms than ever before, focusing specifically on empowering women with the financial tools they need to thrive. From venture capital funds that champion women-led startups to grants tailored for female entrepreneurs, the support system is getting stronger. Let’s explore local business accelerators, women-specific business networks, and online communities that offer both funding and advice. And don't overlook crowdfunding, which has become a powerful tool for women looking to make their business dreams a reality. Together we can empower each one of us, we can do this 😉😉 #WomenEntreprenuers #WomenEmpowerment #FemaleEntreprenuers #WomenLenStartUps #SupportSystem #loansbyfemme

Grant applications aren’t easy! Ambiguous. Bewildering. Costly. How would you describe them in 3 words? Have you ever looked at the application and rules and decided against applying? Tell me what you think. Let's Fund More Women with a simpler process. Becky Lodge Tara Attfield-Tomes Zandra Moore Erika Brodnock MBE Bridget Greenwood ☀️Sarah Morgan Emma Jarvis Emmie Faust Ali Grieve Serena Cindy Gallop Sharmadean Reid MBE Gwen Myslinski Peter Kyle Samantha Niblett MP Grace Carter investHER-UK ProspHER Fundfast Female Founders Rise The51 Business and Babies ⭐️Have your say!⭐️ #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #founders #governmentgrants #innovation

The Fearless Fund, a venture capital fund based in Atlanta, has agreed to discontinue its grant program supporting Black women entrepreneurs. This decision follows a lawsuit by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, which argued that the program's focus on Black women was discriminatory. A federal appeals court sided with the group, citing a Civil War-era law against racial discrimination in contracting. Since 2019, the Fearless Fund has aimed to bridge the gap in venture capital funding, particularly for Black women, who received less than 1% of the $288 billion in venture capital funds deployed in 2022. Despite this setback, the fund, led by CEO Arian Simone, remains committed to expanding economic opportunities for women of color, having invested nearly $27 million in 40 startups. As the grant program ends, the Fearless Fund will continue its mission to support diverse entrepreneurs in other ways. Download the Techy app now: https://ow.ly/ZHlR50TlpOK #FearlessFund #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #DEI #BlackTechTalent

Research shows that ADHD folk are 400% more likely to become entrepreneurs because of their unique skill sets 📈And that productivity is 30% higher in neurodiverse teams. ADHD entrepreneurs also bring more 🧠Creativity ⚡️Risk-taking 🔥Passion and intensity 🔬Hyperfocus 🦾Resilience 💡Unique solutions to big problems Incredible and uplifting to see investors levelling the playing field for neurodivergent female founders to apply and pitch for funding in more inclusive ways so we can get on with running the businesses we’re so passionate about. Looking forward to sharing experiences on this inspirational panel 🤩 with Karrie Tilburn, Jodie Hill and Suzanne Donovan 💜 Why ADHD is My Superpower, and How It Plays Into My Investment Strategy ⬇️ #angelinvestment Gaia Learning #adhd #founderstories #neurodivergent #femalefounder #accessibility

You're absolutely right to raise awareness about this disparity, Ingrid Murray. I just can't help thinking we lack a key measure or two to fully understand the #femalefounder and #VC investment situation. If we knew of all the pitches made to VCs how many met their criteria, by gender, that would help. Different VCs have different criteria (the detail is different) but they all expect rapid scaling, very large market, etc. so we may be comparing some apples with some pears. We also don't know anything, as far as I know, about application success rates by gender, do we? All we know is an outcome but are blind about what preceded it. I know the data is telling us something is really 'off' here, but it'd be a great help to know more. #AngelThink

For most founders Fundraising for their venture feels like a rollercoaster ride of emotions and nerves, it is like trying to explain your big dream while riding a wave that alternates between the exhilaration of potential success and the anxiety of financial uncertainties. If you happen to be a woman founder, the process could be even harder due to the negative stereotypes associated with female founders in the industry. This unfortunate fact is even more glaring given that women-led startups make 2X more money than their male cohort! If the above feeling around fund raise resonates with you, then know that your are not alone, the trick to learn to manage the process and your emotions a little bit better. I am hosting a masterclass where I will answer your questions (AMA format) and share my experiences & learnings as a female founder & an investor. Date: 16th January, Tuesday Time: 5 PM (45 mins.) Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gV_NyG_R #fundraising #masterclass #startups #startupecosystems

Thank you kiki.nyc for what I can only presume is a complete hoax to highlight the huge disparities in funding between genders - some additional scary stats for you : -Only ~2% of VC funding goes to women -In experimental studies when men and women presented IDENTICAL pitches, 68.33% of participants chose to fund the ventures pitched by a male voice, while only 31.67% of participants chose to fund the ventures pitched by a female voice- men's pitches were scored far higher for 'logic, persuasiveness and being fact-based (for a word by word identical pitch 🤔 ).  - Men raise much, much more: even in industries like Femtech, where 70% of founders are women - on average, female-founded Femtechs have raised $4.6m, compared to $9.2m by those with all-male teams. https://lnkd.in/egq8U9jv

I recently had a powerful chat with the incredible Cheryl Dorsey, President of Echoing Green, about social entrepreneurs' unique challenges today. As she rightly pointed out, "In the current economic climate, fundraising for entrepreneurs has become increasingly difficult." Too many social innovators- especially those from underrepresented backgrounds - are not receiving the capital they need to scale when they need it most. EG is stepping up to change this through the new Signal Fund. The fund aims to build and de-risk a fresh pipeline of social innovators often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy and financial institutions. It's about helping these proven leaders navigate the "valley of death" that so many startups face, enabling them to hit key milestones recognizable to traditional investors - without compromising their impact. And the need for this work is urgent. Black-led organizations are 24% smaller in revenue than their white-led counterparts, with unrestricted net assets 76% smaller. Startups led by underrepresented founders, including women, receive only 43% of the funding that white male founders do. Grateful to be part of the Echoing Green community, which is making strides toward bridging these gaps. If you’re a social entrepreneur looking to become an EchoingGreen Fellow, applications open TODAY! I’m more than happy to support innovators interested in applying - let’s work together to create the change we want to see! 🌍 #Funding #SocialImpact #TogetherWeBuild

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has blocked the Fearless Fund from awarding grants exclusively to Black women entrepreneurs. Black women raise around 0.4% of all venture capital funds in any given year, and grant programs like what Fearless built were created to fill that funding gap. Founded with a mission to support women of color entrepreneurs, the Fearless Fund plays a crucial role in addressing systemic inequalities that have long hindered the progress of underrepresented groups in the business world. Why is this important? ➡ Bridging the Funding Gap: Historically, women of color have faced significant barriers in accessing venture capital. According to a 2020 report by digitalundivided, Black women received just 0.64% of total venture capital funding. The Fearless Fund directly addresses this disparity by providing essential funding and resources to women of color entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses and bring innovative solutions to market. ➡ Empowering Diverse Entrepreneurs: Diverse perspectives drive innovation. By supporting women of color, the Fearless Fund fosters a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. These entrepreneurs bring unique insights and solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of diverse communities. The success of these businesses not only contributes to economic growth but also promotes social equity. ➡ Creating Role Models: When young women of color see successful business leaders who look like them, it empowers them to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. This ripple effect can lead to a more diverse and inclusive business landscape in the long term. While the legal arguments unfold, it's crucial to recognize the broader implications of this decision. Limiting the Fearless Fund's ability to support its target demographic could stall progress toward a more equitable business environment. #WILDleaders #entrepreneurship #representationmatters

UPDATE: For anybody who hasn't received the link: https://bit.ly/49IIffJ 💰 Top Female Founders and Investors to Know ­­ Women founders receive only 15% of VC funding. (Forbes)   VC firms with a woman partner are 3x more likely to invest in companies led by women. (EIB)   In other words, women founders looking to raise money should include women in their investor list.   That’s why I wanted to share this list of top women investors and founders to know. It’s useful both for entrepreneurs seeking funding and for investors looking for opportunities.   Some of the names include: ✅ Anu Duggal, founding partner of the early-stage VC Female Founders Fund ✅ Gina Bartasi, founder and CEO of fertility and family-building services company Kindbody ✅ Leslie Feinzaig, founder and CEO of the Seattle-based accelerator Female Founders Alliance ✅ Sasha Plavsic, founder of cosmetics brand ILIA Beauty   Interested in seeing the full resource?   Drop a comment below and I’ll send it ASAP. 👇   Please send a connection request if we are not connected to get the resource. 📩   Nathan Beckord – I help startups raise capital through software, content, and processes #venturecapital #founders #startups #fundraising Credit: Pitchbook, The Riveter, Beauhurst