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The Female Leaders VC Fund, established to address the gender investment gap, is a $100 million venture capital fund managed by Artesian, an Australian VC firm. This fund focuses on investing in high-growth, women-led startups primarily in the Asia Pacific region. It targets Series A and B investment opportunities, aiming to support female founders who are often overlooked by traditional venture capital firms.
The fund's strategy is built on the belief that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. With only 2% of VC funding allocated to female founders, the Female Leaders VC Fund seeks to capitalize on a $3 trillion opportunity in women-led entrepreneurship. The fund aims for an annualized return of over 20% (pre-tax) over a 7-10 year horizon, providing exposure to female-led startups in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China.
Notable milestones include securing cornerstone investors such as Hostplus and Legalsuper, which enhances the fund's institutional credibility. The Female Leaders VC Fund is recognized for its thematic focus within the Artesian platform, making it one of the largest gender-lens funds in the Asia Pacific region.
The Female Leaders VC Fund invests in high-growth, women-led startups that are often overlooked by other venture capital firms. The fund emphasizes sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer goods, with a particular focus on companies that demonstrate gender diversity within their founding teams. This approach not only addresses the gender investment gap but also aims to create a diversified portfolio that supports economic empowerment and innovation.
Investment opportunities are primarily targeted at Series A and B stages, with check sizes typically aligning with the growth potential of the startups. The fund's geographic focus includes Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China, allowing it to tap into diverse markets with significant growth potential. The Female Leaders VC Fund looks for founders who are not only innovative but also committed to building inclusive teams that reflect gender diversity.
The Female Leaders VC Fund boasts a diverse portfolio of seven notable companies, each contributing to its mission of supporting women-led startups. Key portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects the fund's commitment to investing in high-growth, women-led startups across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and consumer goods.
Alexandra Clunies-Ross, Partner: Alexandra has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in identifying and supporting women-led startups.
Fiona Zheng, Investment Associate: Fiona specializes in evaluating investment opportunities and has a strong background in financial analysis.
Ananya Sinha, Investment Associate: Ananya focuses on sourcing and assessing potential investments, bringing a keen eye for high-growth potential.
Stephanie Morris, Investment Manager: Stephanie manages the fund's investment portfolio and works closely with portfolio companies to drive growth.
Mei Lee, Partner/Investment Committee Member: Mei brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and plays a key role in the fund's strategic direction.
Jeremy Colless, Partner/Investment Committee Member: Jeremy has a strong track record in managing venture funds and contributes to the fund's investment decisions.
To pitch the Female Leaders VC Fund, founders should use the contact form available on their website. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team composition. While specific response time expectations are not provided, founders should anticipate a thorough review process given the fund's focus on high-growth opportunities.
In March 2026, the Female Leaders VC Fund announced its latest investment in LYRO, a company focused on transforming clinical trial recruitment. This investment aligns with the fund's mission to support women-led startups in the healthcare sector.
Additionally, the fund has been featured in recent articles by Forbes and the World Economic Forum, highlighting its commitment to addressing the gender investment gap and supporting female entrepreneurs.
What are the investment criteria for the Female Leaders VC Fund?
The fund primarily invests in high-growth, women-led startups at the Series A and B stages. It emphasizes sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer goods, particularly those demonstrating gender diversity within their founding teams.
How can I apply or pitch to the Female Leaders VC Fund?
Interested founders can fill out a form on the fund's website to initiate contact. It is advisable to include detailed information about the startup's mission, market potential, and team composition in the pitch.
What makes the Female Leaders VC Fund different from other VCs?
This fund specifically targets women-led startups that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital firms. It aims to address the gender investment gap and capitalize on the significant market opportunity presented by female entrepreneurs.
What is the geographic scope of the fund?
The Female Leaders VC Fund focuses on startups in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China, allowing it to tap into diverse and rapidly growing markets.
What is the fund size and expected return?
The fund has a target size of $100 million and aims for an annualized return of over 20% (pre-tax) over a 7-10 year period.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
While specific details on post-investment involvement are not disclosed, the fund is managed by Artesian, which typically provides operational support and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.
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