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BELLE Impact Fund is a Michigan-based venture capital firm that focuses on the early-stage capital needs of women-led companies. Founded by Nancy Philippart and Carolyn Cassin, the firm aims to generate returns for investors while also creating social and environmental impact. The fund recognizes women-led businesses as the fastest growing sector of new enterprises and seeks to foster their growth through strategic investments.
Launched with a fund size of $20 million, BELLE Impact Fund emphasizes investments in seed and early-stage growth businesses. The firm is committed to supporting women-owned or managed companies, particularly in Michigan and other underserved markets. The team currently consists of two General Partners, Philippart and Cassin, who leverage their experience to guide portfolio companies.
Notable milestones include the fund's active development of a new fund planned for launch in 2024, indicating ongoing momentum and future growth. The firm is a member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association and collaborates with other funds to enhance resources available to its investments.
BELLE Impact Fund invests primarily in women-owned or managed privately held companies at the seed and early-stage growth levels. The firm targets sectors such as digital technology, mobile applications, cloud solutions, life sciences, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, and alternative energy. Investments typically range from $25,000 to $250,000, with a focus on coachable entrepreneurs and disruptive technologies.
The fund reserves up to 25% of committed capital for follow-on investments, allowing it to support portfolio companies as they grow. BELLE Impact Fund prefers to invest in companies located in or impacting underserved geographic markets, particularly in Michigan. This geographic focus aligns with the firm’s mission to address the capital needs of women-led businesses in regions that may lack sufficient funding opportunities.
In summary, BELLE Impact Fund emphasizes generating superior returns while addressing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to create both financial success and positive social impact.
While specific portfolio companies are not detailed, BELLE Impact Fund has backed several Midwestern, female-founded firms, showcasing its commitment to supporting women-led startups in the region. The fund's focus on women-owned businesses aligns with its investment strategy, which emphasizes sectors such as medical devices and life sciences.
Notable mentions include two Midwestern firms that received backing from BELLE Impact Fund, highlighting the firm’s active role in fostering growth among women-led enterprises. The firm maintains an active portfolio on its website, which reflects its ongoing commitment to investing in women-led companies.
Through its investments, BELLE Impact Fund aims to create a significant impact in the communities it serves, particularly in Michigan, where it focuses on addressing the capital needs of women entrepreneurs.
Nancy Philippart - General Partner, Co-founder. Nancy has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting women-led businesses. She has a strong background in investment strategy and portfolio management.
Carolyn Cassin - General Partner, Co-founder. Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge in business development and strategic partnerships. Her expertise lies in fostering growth for women-owned companies and driving social impact through investments.
To pitch to BELLE Impact Fund, founders should submit their pitch decks via email to aparnis@miwf.org. The fund also offers office hours for pitch submissions, which can be accessed through their website at bellefunds.com/officehours.
Founders are encouraged to include detailed information about their business model, market opportunity, and team in their pitch decks. The firm values clarity and a strong narrative that outlines the potential for social impact and financial returns.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to receive feedback on their submissions as the fund actively seeks to engage with promising women-led startups.
In 2024, BELLE Impact Fund plans to launch a new fund, indicating ongoing momentum and future growth. The firm has been actively developing this new initiative to further support women-led startups.
Recently, BELLE Impact Fund backed two Midwestern, female-founded firms, showcasing its commitment to investing in women-led businesses. This activity reflects the fund's focus on fostering growth among women entrepreneurs in underserved markets.
What are the investment criteria for BELLE Impact Fund?
BELLE Impact Fund invests in women-owned or managed privately held companies at the seed and early-stage growth levels. The firm focuses on sectors such as digital technology, life sciences, medical devices, and alternative energy.
How can I apply or pitch to BELLE Impact Fund?
Women-owned or women-led companies based in Michigan can submit their pitch decks via email to aparnis@miwf.org. The fund also hosts office hours for pitch submissions, which can be accessed through their website.
What makes BELLE Impact Fund different from other venture capital firms?
BELLE Impact Fund specifically targets women-led businesses, recognizing them as the fastest growing sector of new enterprises. The firm emphasizes both financial returns and social impact, aiming to support underserved markets.
What is the geographic scope of BELLE Impact Fund?
The firm primarily invests in companies located in or impacting underserved geographic markets, with a strong focus on Michigan.
What is the fund size and check size range?
BELLE Impact Fund has a total fund size of $20 million, with investments typically ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. The fund also reserves up to 25% of committed capital for follow-on investments.
What kind of support does BELLE Impact Fund provide to portfolio companies?
In addition to capital, BELLE Impact Fund offers access to a network of experienced professionals and corporate executives who can provide guidance and support. The firm emphasizes collaboration and often syndicates with other funds to enhance resources available to its investments.
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