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Halogen Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2015 by Jesse Draper. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in companies led by women, making it one of the largest VC portfolios in the United States focused exclusively on female-founded businesses. Halogen Ventures recognizes the substantial market opportunities represented by female entrepreneurs and aims to support their growth through targeted investments.
As of now, Halogen Ventures manages assets totaling $30 million across its funds. The firm has invested in over 70 companies, demonstrating a strong commitment to backing innovative startups. Halogen Ventures has achieved notable milestones, including surpassing 100 female-founded investments by March 2026, reflecting its dedication to gender-lens investing.
Halogen Ventures operates primarily in North America, with a focus on the United States. The firm has established a reputation for its unique approach to venture capital, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem.
Halogen Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in consumer technology and strategic B2B software sectors. The firm specifically targets pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding stages, emphasizing the market potential of companies led by women and co-ed teams. This investment strategy is designed to capitalize on the significant opportunities presented by female entrepreneurs, who often bring unique perspectives and solutions to the market.
The firm seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate innovation and scalability, particularly in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, AI, and consumer products. Halogen Ventures looks for founders who are not only passionate about their ideas but also possess the resilience and vision necessary to navigate the challenges of building a startup. Their deal structure preferences include providing strategic guidance and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by female founders.
Halogen Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 70 companies, with a strong emphasis on female-led businesses. Notable portfolio companies include:
Halogen Ventures has also achieved notable exits, including the acquisition of This is L. by Procter & Gamble, Squad by Twitter, and Eloquii by Walmart. These exits highlight the firm's ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
Jesse Draper: Founding Partner; she is a prominent voice in female-focused venture capital and previously hosted 'The Valley Girl Show,' a tech interview series.
Brian Macinnes: Chief Financial Officer; he oversees financial operations and strategy for the firm.
Jennifer Mandelbaum: Partner; she brings extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Ashley Balla: Partner; she focuses on supporting portfolio companies and enhancing their growth strategies.
Adriana Gadala-Maria Ochi: Principal; she plays a key role in deal sourcing and due diligence.
Jolie Goldberg: Chief of Staff; she manages operations and ensures the firm runs efficiently.
To pitch Halogen Ventures, founders should visit their website at halogenvc.com or email hello@halogenvc.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. The firm prefers pitches that highlight the unique aspects of female-led businesses and their potential for growth. Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks.
The **Halogen Fellowship in Venture Capital** is a summer program initiated in 2020, aimed at training undergraduate and graduate students in venture capital. This fellowship focuses on increasing diversity and equity in the venture capital industry, providing participants with entry-level experience and exposure to the investment process.
In March 2026, Halogen Ventures announced surpassing 100 female-founded investments, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to gender-lens investing. This achievement highlights the firm's focus on supporting female entrepreneurs and the growing recognition of their market potential.
In June 2025, Halogen Ventures closed its third fund, raising $30 million to continue its mission of investing in early-stage companies led by women. This fund reflects the firm's ongoing growth and commitment to increasing diversity in the venture capital space.
What are Halogen Ventures' investment criteria?
Halogen Ventures invests exclusively in early-stage companies with at least one female founder. The firm focuses on consumer technology and B2B software sectors, targeting pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding stages.
How can I apply or pitch to Halogen Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Halogen Ventures website at halogenvc.com or by emailing hello@halogenvc.com. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Halogen Ventures different from other VC firms?
Halogen Ventures is one of the largest VC firms in the U.S. focused exclusively on female-founded businesses. The firm emphasizes the unique market potential of female-led startups and provides tailored resources and strategic guidance to support their growth.
What is the geographic scope of Halogen Ventures?
Halogen Ventures primarily invests in North America, with a strong focus on the United States. The firm is based in Los Angeles, California.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Halogen Ventures invests at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, which typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Halogen Ventures have?
Halogen Ventures provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by female founders.
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