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.
The Helm is an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in New York City and London, dedicated to investing in companies founded by women. Established to combat the significant gender disparity in venture capital, where women receive only 2% of all funding, The Helm aims to support female founders by providing capital to undervalued companies with strong potential. The firm operates through a dual model of a venture fund and an angel syndicate, targeting companies that are often overlooked in traditional funding environments. The Helm's commitment to addressing gender disparities in venture funding is reflected in its investment strategy, which emphasizes the importance of supporting female-led businesses to foster innovation and wealth creation. With a portfolio of nine companies, The Helm is positioned as a leader in promoting diversity within the startup ecosystem.
The Helm invests in early-stage companies founded by women across various sectors, including healthcare, fintech, climate, consumer, and food-agtech. Their investment strategy includes both a fund and an angel syndicate, allowing for diverse participation in funding opportunities. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $750,000 in Seed and Series A stages, focusing on companies that demonstrate strong growth potential and innovation. The Helm seeks to partner with founders who are not only passionate about their ideas but also committed to making a positive impact in their respective industries. By concentrating on sectors that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources, The Helm aims to create a more equitable venture capital landscape and drive meaningful change in the startup ecosystem.
The Helm's portfolio includes notable companies that are making significant strides in their respective fields. Among them are **itselectric**, which provides curbside charging posts for electric vehicles designed for urban environments; **Venus Aerospace**, developing a carbon-free hypersonic transportation system; and **Rebellyous Foods**, innovating the supply chain for plant-based chicken alternatives. Other key investments include **Opna**, a fintech solution focused on funding high-quality carbon removal projects; **Simplifyber**, producing biodegradable, cellulose-based fabric through advanced manufacturing processes; and **Realworld**, which offers guidance and resources for Gen-Z entering the workforce. Additionally, **Mahmee** is a digital maternal health care platform providing personalized support for new mothers, while **Tia** focuses on women's health services. Lastly, **Oova** specializes in at-home urine testing for health monitoring. With a total of nine companies in its portfolio, The Helm is committed to supporting innovative solutions that address pressing societal challenges.
Lindsey Taylor Wood: Founder & General Partner, known for her commitment to gender lens investing and supporting female entrepreneurs.
Julie Weber: COO & General Partner, brings operational expertise and a focus on scaling startups.
Olivia Fleming: Partner, specializes in identifying and nurturing innovative companies founded by women.
To pitch The Helm, founders should visit their website for specific instructions. While details on the preferred pitch format are not provided, it is advisable to prepare a thorough presentation that highlights the business model and impact of the startup. Warm introductions may be beneficial, given the firm's focus on building relationships.
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.