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.
WomensVCFund II is a venture capital fund founded in late 2017 by Edith Dorsen and Monica Dodi. The fund is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and is dedicated to addressing the gender disparity in venture capital funding, which has historically allocated less than 5% of funding to leadership teams that include women. The organization focuses on investing in revenue-generating, capital-efficient companies that are seeking Series A and B financing. A unique requirement for investment is that management teams must include both women and men.
Since its inception, WomensVCFund II has aimed to create a more equitable funding environment for female entrepreneurs. The fund has established a portfolio of 12 companies, emphasizing sectors such as healthcare, consumer products, and education. The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing support and resources to help them grow and succeed in their respective markets.
WomensVCFund II invests in companies that demonstrate gender-diverse leadership, underscoring the belief that gender diversity is crucial for entrepreneurial success. The fund primarily targets sectors including healthcare, consumer products, and education, seeking to capitalize on high-quality, female-led startups. Investment stages are focused on Series A and B, allowing the fund to support companies at critical growth phases.
The fund looks for revenue-generating, capital-efficient businesses that can demonstrate a clear path to profitability. In addition to financial metrics, WomensVCFund II values the presence of both women and men in management roles, reflecting its commitment to gender diversity. This approach not only aligns with the fund's mission but also enhances the potential for success in the competitive startup landscape.
WomensVCFund II has built a diverse portfolio of 12 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting female-led businesses. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects the fund's focus on gender diversity and its commitment to supporting innovative companies across various sectors.
Edith Dorsen - Founder & Managing Director. Edith has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on gender diversity in funding.
Monica Dodi - Co-Founder & Managing Director. Monica brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting female entrepreneurs and addressing gender disparities in venture capital.
Susan Namkung - Director. Susan has a background in investment management and works closely with portfolio companies to drive growth.
Warren Bingham - Senior Technical Advisor. Warren provides technical expertise and guidance to portfolio companies, enhancing their operational capabilities.
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 and reporting, contributing to its overall strategy.
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, and Reggie Van Lee.
To pitch to WomensVCFund II, founders should send an email to info@womensvcfund.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive business plan, emphasizing the gender diversity of the management team. A clear outline of the company's revenue model and growth strategy will also be beneficial. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
In recent months, WomensVCFund II has actively engaged with its portfolio companies, publishing blog posts that highlight developments such as Newsela's acquisition of Schoolytics. The fund continues to provide insights on industry trends and special-needs training standards, demonstrating its commitment to staying informed and connected with the educational sector.
Additionally, the fund has been involved in discussions around gender diversity in venture capital, advocating for increased support for female-led startups. This ongoing dialogue reflects the fund's mission to address gender disparities in funding and promote equitable opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
What are the investment criteria for WomensVCFund II?
WomensVCFund II invests in revenue-generating, capital-efficient companies with gender-diverse leadership. The fund focuses on Series A and B financing stages and targets sectors such as healthcare, consumer products, and education.
How can I pitch to WomensVCFund II?
Founders can pitch to WomensVCFund II by sending an email to info@womensvcfund.com. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information about the management team's gender diversity.
What makes WomensVCFund II different from other venture capital firms?
The fund specifically focuses on investing in female-led businesses and requires gender diversity in management teams. This unique approach aims to address the gender disparity in venture capital funding.
What is the geographic focus of WomensVCFund II?
The fund primarily invests in companies based in North America, particularly in the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, WomensVCFund II focuses on Series A and B financing, which typically involves investments ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
WomensVCFund II provides operational support, mentorship, and access to a network of resources to help portfolio companies grow and succeed.
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.