Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Mindshift Capital is a global venture capital firm founded in 2019, headquartered in Dubai and New York. The firm focuses on investing in women-led companies, aiming to address the significant funding gap faced by female entrepreneurs. Mindshift Capital partners with founders who are tackling critical challenges through innovative solutions, emphasizing gender lens investing to ensure diversity of thought.
The firm manages a fund size of $25 million and has a target portfolio of 15-20 companies per fund. Mindshift Capital has achieved an impressive audited internal rate of return (IRR) of 48% in its first year. As the first gender-lens venture fund in the UAE, it has established itself as a pioneer in promoting female entrepreneurship in the region.
Mindshift Capital has a diverse team of experienced professionals, including founding partners and venture partners with backgrounds in various sectors. The firm has been actively promoting its mission through various channels, including its website and portfolio updates, and has been featured in notable publications such as Entrepreneur ME and Gulf News.
Mindshift Capital primarily invests in post-seed and early-stage companies across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. The firm targets sectors such as fintech, edtech, healthcare, and foodtech, aiming to support ventures that demonstrate high growth potential and innovative solutions. The investment strategy emphasizes gender lens investing, which aims to enhance returns through a hands-on portfolio approach while ensuring diversity of thought.
The firm seeks to partner with exceptional female founders who are delivering local solutions to global problems. Mindshift Capital typically invests in companies at the Seed+ (Extension) and Series A stages, with check sizes that align with their commitment to supporting early-stage tech companies. Their investment thesis is centered around the belief that diverse teams lead to better decision-making and ultimately, better business outcomes.
Mindshift Capital has built a diverse portfolio of 18 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting women-led ventures. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect Mindshift Capital's focus on sectors that are not only innovative but also have the potential for significant impact in their respective fields.
Heather Henyon - Founding General Partner. Heather is the founder of the Women's Angel Investor Network (WAIN), the first and largest women's angel group in the Middle East. She has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous investments in women-led startups.
Barbara Baumgartner - Investment Committee Member. Barbara brings a wealth of experience in investment strategy and portfolio management, having worked with various venture capital firms prior to joining Mindshift Capital.
Joumana Jallad - Investment Committee Member. Joumana has a strong background in finance and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting female founders in the tech sector.
Marcia Dawood - Venture Partner. Marcia has a diverse background in technology and business development, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Rebecca Hall - Venture Partner. Rebecca specializes in market analysis and growth strategies, helping startups navigate their growth trajectories.
To pitch Mindshift Capital, founders should visit their website at mindshiftcapital.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team. It is advisable to highlight the innovative aspects of the venture and how it addresses significant challenges.
Mindshift Capital prefers pitches that demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market and a clear path to growth. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks after submission, and warm introductions are encouraged to enhance the chances of engagement.
In December 2021, Mindshift Capital doubled its fund size to $25 million, reflecting its commitment to supporting women-led ventures. This milestone was widely reported in various media outlets, including Entrepreneur ME and TechStartups.
Recently, Mindshift Capital has been actively promoting its mission through updates on its website and social media channels, highlighting investments in companies like Acquired (formerly Tara) and Acquired (formerly Shiok Meats). These investments showcase the firm's dedication to gender-focused investment strategies.
Mindshift Capital has also co-pledged $70 million to invest in MENA-based women-founded startups alongside Global Ventures and Flat6Labs, further solidifying its role as a leader in gender-lens investing.
What are Mindshift Capital's investment criteria?
Mindshift Capital invests exclusively in early-stage tech companies led by exceptional female founders. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, edtech, healthcare, and foodtech, targeting post-seed and Series A stages.
How can I apply or pitch to Mindshift Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at mindshiftcapital.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Mindshift Capital different from other venture firms?
Mindshift Capital emphasizes gender lens investing, focusing on supporting women-led companies and addressing the funding gap for female entrepreneurs. The firm provides tailored resources and mentorship to its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Mindshift Capital's investments?
The firm invests primarily in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, with a focus on emerging markets and a commitment to supporting local solutions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Mindshift Capital typically invests in post-seed and Series A stages, with check sizes that align with their strategy to support early-stage ventures. Specific amounts may vary based on the company's needs and growth potential.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Mindshift Capital have?
The firm adds value through strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and support in scaling operations. Mindshift Capital emphasizes mentorship and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by female founders.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.