2.3%. That’s how much venture capital funding goes to startups led by women.
The tiny percentage, which dropped during the pandemic, validates the notion that venture capital remains a “boy’s club.” Even outside of strong networks, female founders struggle to break into a male-dominated industry.
This summer, Dorm Room Fund launched the Female Founder Track for the fourth time. The size of the track, for which DRF investment partners Lan Jiang and Chloe Lopez-Lee lead, mirrors that of the Female Investor Track. At the end of the summer, female investors from one track evaluated the companies by female founders in another track.
Over six evening sessions, female founders scale startups, raise capital, and craft a plan for a final pitch. Founders learn about scaling MVPs, fundraising, and hiring from the top female mentors in the business.
Check out the companies of the 2021 Female Founder Track!
Natasha Nanji, Alisha Nanji
Marketplace for graduate and undergraduate application help.
Learn more: https://www.theappbuddy.com
Sasha Landauer
Recommerce for the outdoors.
Learn more: http://requipper.com/
Natalia Murillo
Fractional ownership of NFTs.
Learn more: https://medium.com/block-parties/block-parties-db4467a2e1d8
Joelene Latief, Tim Chau
Impact-oriented social media community.
Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/impact/?hl=en
Lauren Rothwell
Platform for in-house corporate retreat planning.
Learn more: https://www.retrera.com/
Marinella Pinate
An investment platform between Wealthfront and Public for Mexico.
Learn more: https://www.tuzumma.com/
Tiffany Leong
East Asian superfoods.
Learn more: www.enjoyboyi.com
Megan Nash
Pubic hair trimmer for women.
Learn more: https://www.shoprayna.com/
Cecilia Rios Murrieta
Alcohol-free canned cocktails.
Learn more: www.joiedesans.com
Jing Tang
Wearable input device for AR glasses
Learn more: https://www.innatecontrol.com/
Sarah Chieng
Secondhand marketplace on college campuses.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahChieng/videos
Astha Sinha, Ayushi Sinha
Asian-inspired athleisure.
Company website: https://yustha.yoga/
Written by DRF head of content, Anne Wen. Reach her at annewen@dormroomfund.com. Get more updates on Twitter, Medium, and newsletter. Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply here for an investment from Dorm Room Fund. Until next time! 🚀