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The Female Leaders VC Fund was established to address the gender investment gap and support female founders in the Asia Pacific region. This venture capital fund, managed by Artesian, has a target size of $100 million and focuses on investing in high-growth, women-led startups. The fund primarily targets Series A and B investment opportunities, aiming to create a diversified portfolio that supports economic empowerment and innovation.
Currently, the fund seeks to achieve an annualized return of over 20% (pre-tax) over a 7-10 year horizon. It provides exposure to female-led startups in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China. The fund's cornerstone investors include Hostplus and Legalsuper, both of which are Australian superannuation funds, indicating a strong institutional backing.
Notable milestones include the fund's recognition in various media outlets such as Forbes and the World Economic Forum, highlighting its commitment to addressing the underfunding of female entrepreneurs. The Female Leaders VC Fund is one of the largest gender-lens funds in the Asia Pacific region, reflecting a significant opportunity in women-led entrepreneurship.
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 aligns with the fund's core thesis: "Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not." Only 2% of VC funding goes to female founders, representing a $3 trillion opportunity in women-led entrepreneurship.
The fund primarily targets Series A and B investment stages, with check sizes that align with the growth potential of the startups. The geographic focus includes Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China, allowing the fund to tap into diverse markets. The Female Leaders VC Fund looks for founders who are not only innovative but also committed to fostering gender diversity within their teams. This investment strategy aims to create a diversified portfolio that supports economic empowerment and innovation.
Notable portfolio companies of the Female Leaders VC Fund include:
This diverse portfolio reflects the fund's commitment to supporting 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 involved in numerous successful investments in the technology and healthcare sectors.
Fiona Zheng, Investment Associate: Fiona specializes in market analysis and has a strong background in evaluating early-stage startups.
Ananya Sinha, Investment Associate: Ananya focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, particularly in consumer goods.
Stephanie Morris, Investment Manager: Stephanie manages the fund's portfolio and works closely with founders to drive growth.
Mei Lee, Partner/Investment Committee Member: Mei brings a wealth of experience in managing venture funds and has a strong track record in supporting female entrepreneurs.
Jeremy Colless, Partner/Investment Committee Member: Jeremy has a background in finance and venture capital, contributing to the fund's strategic direction.
To pitch to the Female Leaders VC Fund, founders should use the contact form available on their website. It is essential to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team composition. The fund appreciates clear and concise presentations that highlight the startup's growth potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
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 efforts to close the gender investment gap and promote female entrepreneurship.
What are the investment criteria for the Female Leaders VC Fund?
The fund invests in high-growth, women-led startups primarily in the healthcare, technology, and consumer sectors. It focuses on Series A and B stages and looks for companies that demonstrate gender diversity within their founding teams.
How can founders apply or pitch to the fund?
Founders interested in securing investment from the Female Leaders VC Fund can fill out a form on their website to initiate contact. It is advisable to provide a comprehensive overview of the business model, market potential, and team composition in the pitch.
What makes the Female Leaders VC Fund different from other venture capital firms?
This fund specifically targets women-led startups that are often overlooked by traditional VCs. It aims to address the gender investment gap and create a diversified portfolio that supports economic empowerment.
What is the geographic scope of the fund?
The Female Leaders VC Fund primarily focuses on investments in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China, allowing it to tap into diverse markets with significant growth potential.
What is the fund size and check size range?
The fund has a target size of $100 million and typically invests in Series A and B rounds, with check sizes that align with the growth potential of the startups.
What is the fund's post-investment involvement?
The fund actively supports its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational support, and access to a network of industry experts, enhancing their chances of success in the market.
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