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WomensVCFund II is a venture capital fund established in late 2017 by Edith Dorsen and Monica Dodi. Based in Portland, Oregon, the fund focuses on investing in female-led businesses to combat the gender disparity in venture capital funding, which has historically allocated less than 5% of funding to leadership teams that include women. The organization is committed to investing in revenue-generating, capital-efficient companies seeking Series A and B financing, with a requirement for management teams to include both women and men.
Since its inception, WomensVCFund II has built a portfolio of 12 companies, emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in entrepreneurial success. The fund's strategy includes targeting sectors such as education, technology, and health, which are seen as high-potential areas for female-led startups. The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing insights and support to enhance their growth and success.
WomensVCFund II invests in companies with gender-diverse leadership, recognizing that diverse teams contribute to better decision-making and innovation. The fund targets sectors including healthcare, consumer, education, and technology, aiming to capitalize on high-quality, female-led startups. Investment stages include Series A and B, focusing on revenue-generating and capital-efficient companies.
The fund looks for management teams that include both women and men, reinforcing its commitment to gender diversity. This approach not only addresses the gender gap in venture capital but also aligns with the belief that diverse leadership teams are more likely to succeed. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong business models and a clear path to profitability.
WomensVCFund II's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, showcasing its commitment to gender diversity and innovation:
Notable exits from the portfolio include Nvoicepay, Decorist, and EdSurge, highlighting the fund's ability to identify and support successful ventures.
Edith Dorsen: Founder & Managing Director. Edith has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in female-led startups.
Monica Dodi: Co-Founder & Managing Director. Monica brings a wealth of knowledge in entrepreneurship and investment, focusing on gender diversity in funding.
Susan Namkung: Director. Susan has a strong background in finance and has been instrumental in identifying promising investment opportunities.
Warren Bingham: Senior Technical Advisor. Warren provides technical expertise and guidance to portfolio companies, enhancing their operational efficiency.
Jennifer Post: Fund Counsel. Jennifer oversees legal matters and compliance for the fund, ensuring adherence to regulations.
Clare Tureck: CFO. Clare manages the fund's financial operations, contributing to its strategic growth.
Riley Sharps: Operations Administrator. Riley supports the day-to-day operations of the fund, facilitating communication and coordination.
Advisory Board includes: Shawn Dennis, Steven Einstein, Kristi Hanson, Jan Hammond, Beth Horowitz, Ilene Lang, Michelle Lantow, Susan Sobbott, Reggie Van Lee.
To pitch to WomensVCFund II, startups should send an email to info@womensvcfund.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market analysis, and details about the management team, emphasizing gender diversity.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold emails are also accepted.
WomensVCFund II has been active in the venture capital space, recently publishing blog posts that highlight developments within its portfolio. Notable mentions include Newsela's acquisition of Schoolytics and insights on special-needs training standards.
The fund continues to engage with industry trends and portfolio updates, reflecting its commitment to supporting female-led businesses and addressing gender disparities in funding.
What are the investment criteria for WomensVCFund II?
The fund invests in revenue-generating, capital-efficient companies with gender-diverse leadership teams. It focuses on sectors such as healthcare, consumer, education, and technology.
How can startups apply or pitch to WomensVCFund II?
Startups can pitch by sending an email to info@womensvcfund.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information about the management team.
What makes WomensVCFund II different from other venture capital firms?
The fund specifically targets female-led businesses and emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in leadership, addressing the significant gender disparity in venture capital funding.
What is the geographic focus of WomensVCFund II?
The fund primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
WomensVCFund II typically invests in Series A and B rounds, but specific check sizes are not disclosed.
What kind of post-investment involvement does the fund have?
The fund actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing insights and support to enhance their growth and success.
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