“Because when all-women leadership teams pitch products for women, the data tells us: they don’t get funded. And that’s our real canary in the proverbial coalmine.
Half the population is just too niche.”
- Leela Cosgrove on the disparity of funding for female founders.
As a founder and customer-centric product visionary with human problems at the core of my inspiration, I’ve tried really hard not to get disillusioned by the statistics. I am hopeful, especially in Aotearoa, because the people I’ve met, get it.
Half the population is not niche.
And there’s something very special about female founders, and the world (who are our customers) is craving what we bring through our solutions.
Full article here.
CEO. Investor. Business Witch. Dell Womens Entrepreneur Network Australian Chapter Leader. Top 8 Women-Lead Fast Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific Region.
I honestly think our only solution is to divest. I ran a panel on this topic a couple of years ago and Catherine J. said to me
“Leela, the system isn’t broken - it’s working exactly the way it was designed to.”
And while I’ve never been a “work inside the system” person, this hit me really hard.
Ex Nike and Air NZ. Co-founded Xero's largest accounting partner worldwide from 2011-2017, then became their global accounting thought leader.
Now launching a new venture and hosting a podcast.
Thank you Roxanne Leduc and Cap Inclusive for sharing these brilliant findings. "Underdog" founders are proving their resilience and ingenuity by leading 70% of today's unicorns. This isn't just a statistic—it's evidence that the Diversity Premium thesis (McKinsey, Deloitte, BCG, etc) is real.
With our forthcoming Social Economy Ventures, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to drive extraordinary results. By investing in underrepresented founders, we're not just going to back companies; we're championing a future where innovation thrives on the cascading economic effects that diverse leadership brings: More agile mindsets, propensity to innovate faster, ability to develop quicker consensus and decision-making...and most of all, to financially outperform homogenous competitors at the bottom-line.
The numbers speak for themselves—diversity isn't just a value; it's an investment advantage and differentiator.
Proud to base this thesis in Calgary, Alberta.
#DiversityPremium#UnderdogFounders#VentureCapital#Innovation#calgary#capinclusive#socialeconomyventures
Underdogs & Unicorns: New Study Reveals Rise of Female Founders & Diverse Leaders! 📰
A new study by Defiance Capital reveals a surge in "underdog" founders among unicorn companies and a rise in women founders. At Cap inclusive, we believe this shift is both trilling and long overdue!
The numbers speak volumes: 70% of unicorns are now led by underdog founders, including immigrants, women, and people of colour. In 2023, 17% of unicorns has a female founder, a significant leap from previous years.
Why does this matter? Diversity of thought brings fresh perspectives that drive innovation. When women and other underrepresented groups have access to capital and leadership roles, the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem benefits. We're building a future where talent and vision lead the way, not background.
This shift is proof that breaking down barriers and championing diversity isn't just the right thing to do, it's also incredibility smart for business. The success of these underdog founders show that innovation thrives when we embrace different perspectives and experiences.
We're excited to see more women and diverse leaders stepping into the spotlight, and we can't wait to see the incredible innovations they'll bring to the table. The future is bright, and it's just getting started!
Read more about the study here: https://tcrn.ch/3IQRTSm
Follow us for more insights and updates on the rise of diverse founders reshaping the entrepreneurial world!
#CapInclusive#DEIChampion#FemaleFounders#TechCrunch#WomensLeaders
👀 Care to dig a little deeper into challenging societal norms, empowering women in their field, and how to implement company-wide strategies to reinforce best practices?
We spoke to male leaders Andreas Stavropoulos; Partner at Threshold Ventures and Vice Chairman of Endeavor Greece's Board, Stavros Papadopoulos; Founder & CEO at TileDB, Haris Pylarinos, CEO at Hack The Box, and Apostolos Apostolakis; Partner at VentureFriends and got their take on it 💡
Read all about it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2qPRDdU
🚀 They gave us a glimpse into the VC and startup industry and how they try to foster a diverse workplace in their everyday lives, and more importantly, how they self-reflect and advocate for being authentic, educated and approachable.
👏 We got a handful of female leaders’ perspectives on undergoing barriers and difficulties in their industries as women and hearing from male leaders on how they address such issues is just as important!
#endeavorgr#innovation#greektech#founders#entrepreneurship
🌎 The world thrives on diversity, and the business world is no exception. While #women are a driving force in the society, their representation in leadership roles, especially in the startup scene, doesn't always reflect their potential.
🌷 This International Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible female founders who are breaking barriers and bringing innovative solutions to the table! 🎉 Their unique perspectives and entrepreneurial spirit lead to impactful businesses that benefit us all.
👏 #ScaleNL is proud to support great founders like Kinga Matuła of QurieGen and Micky Chen & Linky Chen of Minite.works, who shared with us their insights on navigating the startup world as female entrepreneurs. Swipe below to read more ➡️
💜 We want to see these incredible women and many more succeed! That's why we partner with FEM-START, an organization that helps bridge the funding gap for female founders. Kinga, Micky & Linky are actually proud FEM-START award winners themselves and had a chance to travel to the US with ScaleNL to get inspired, forge connections, and accelerate growth.
💪 Let's not just celebrate women and female founders today, but continue to empower each other to create a world free from bias and full of opportunities for all.
#IWD2024#investinwomen#womenintech#inspireinclusion
"Lean in" is a phrase popularized by Sheryl Sandberg in her book of the same name, encouraging women to embrace challenges and take on leadership roles with confidence.
How relevant is it to the Indian women startup founders?
#leanin Sheryl Sandberg #startups#founders#womenfounders
On this International Women's Day, we're thrilled to spotlight the incredible women at sunday who are shaping the future of our startup environment.
📽 In this exclusive video they share their insights on what it truly means to thrive in a dynamic startup culture.
💡 Join the conversation as we delve into two pivotal topics that are at the heart of our startup journey:
1️⃣ Being a Leader: In the fast-paced world of startups, effective leadership is paramount. Hear from our trailblazing leaders as they share their strategies for navigating uncertainty, driving innovation, and empowering their teams to thrive amidst constant change.
2️⃣ Becoming a Parent: Parenthood is a profound journey, and for many women in startups, it comes with its own set of unique challenges. Discover how they balance the demands of building a business while nurturing their families, and the strategies required to do so.
🚀 On this International Women's Day we celebrate the strength, resilience, and limitless potential of women in startups and also open the conversation about how to best support these key dimensions in our constantly changing work environment. Join us and share your best practices and testimony on the thread below 👇
#iwd2024#startuplife
Reflecting on 2024, we see immense progress in women's entrepreneurship, yet challenges remain. Our journey has evolved with better support networks, increased funding access, and a stronger presence in leadership roles. However, the need for more inclusive policies and support structures is clear.
🌟This year, let's focus on:
🔹 Securing more venture capital for women-led startups.
🔹 Expanding mentorship for women at all entrepreneurial stages.
🔹 Prioritizing work-life balance to acknowledge unique challenges.
We aim for a future where women's leadership is the norm, not the exception. Here's to empowering each other and shaping a world where every woman entrepreneur thrives.
#WomenInBusiness#Leadership#Innovation#ArhaNaturals
CEO | Leadership Consultant | C Suite Executive | Non Executive Director | Human Services - NDIS, My Aged Care, Child Protection, Homelessness, Home Care, Childcare , Youth Services, Domestic and Family Violence
As someone who is trying to embrace new thinking, as a female founder, the Tech Ready Women Academy course has sharply reminded me of the stark statistics we face.
Did you know that female entrepreneurs receive less than 3% of venture capital funding and are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles across industries?
Despite these challenges, women continue to drive innovation and success, proving time and again that we belong at the helm.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of an extraordinary cohort of women in the founders program. Each one of us brings unique strengths, ideas, and resilience to the table. It's inspiring to see firsthand the passion, drive, and ingenuity that fuels our journeys.
Together, we are more than just statistics—we are trailblazers, changemakers, and leaders rewriting the narrative for future generations of female entrepreneurs.
My hope is that this incredible group of women will not only break the glass ceiling but redefine what it means to be a successful founder. By supporting each other, sharing our stories, and amplifying our voices, we can build a future where gender no longer limits potential.
Here's to every woman who dares to dream big, push boundaries, and create lasting impact despite the obstacles.
Join the Conversation: What have been your biggest challenges and triumphs as a female founder? Share your experiences and words of encouragement in the comments! Together, we are unstoppable. 💬👇
#FemaleFounder#Entrepreneurship#WomenInBusiness#BreakTheCeiling#Empowerment#Innovation#Leadership#WomenSupportingWomen
For me, choosing a female-founded startup wasn't just a career move; it was a commitment to driving innovation, equity, and personal growth. Here's why I think that matters:
👭 Innovation through diversity: Women-led startups foster diverse perspectives, driving innovation and creative problem-solving in their industry.
🚺 Commitment to equality: Being apart of a female-founded startup allows me to directly address the underfunding and underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship. It's about breaking down barriers, amplifying the impact of female leaders, and contributing to a more inclusive startup ecosystem.
👩🏫 Networking and mentorship: Being in this space provides a unique network of women mentors, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Win. Win. Win. 🏅
However, I've learned first hand that despite solving significant problems (a lot of the time, larger than their male counterparts), female founders are often overlooked and underfunded. I think recent issues in the startup world are forcing many others to recognise this disparity too and hopefully 🤞 fuelling their commitment to being part of the solution.
I take a ton of pride in what we're doing at Werkling — dedicating our efforts to creating more options for individuals to design their work and lives meaningfully. With 84% of our community being women, many of who are parents, we stand as a pretty good example of a business led by women championing the diverse experiences of women in the professional landscape. 💜💚💗
Michelle Fotheringham #supportfemalefounders
Strategic Fundraising Expert | Fundraising Consultant to the top 1% | Expert in Value Proposition, Story Business Modelling & Investor Outreach | Founder of FundLabs
The Rise of Female Founders! Despite historical underfunding the tide is turning, and here's why🚀
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, female founders are not just breaking glass ceilings—they're setting new standards for success! 💪✨
1️⃣ **Innovation Redefined:** Female-led startups are introducing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Investors are recognising the untapped potential, fueling a wave of support.
2️⃣ **Proven Success Stories:** Trailblazing women entrepreneurs are achieving remarkable success, proving that investing in female-led ventures is not just a trend but a smart business move.
3️⃣ **Diversity Drives Profitability:** Forward-thinking investors understand that diverse leadership teams enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall business performance. Female founders bring unique insights, enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
4️⃣ **Empowered Networks:** Women are increasingly supporting each other, creating networks that foster mentorship, collaboration, and shared success. The power of a supportive community is propelling more female-led ventures to new heights.
🚀 **The Shift is Real:** As the entrepreneurial landscape evolves, so does the perception of female founders. They are no longer the exception; they are the rule, challenging and reshaping the future of business.
🌈 **Join the Movement:** Investors, entrepreneurs, and allies alike are recognising the untapped potential in supporting female founders. Let's not just bridge the gender gap; let's obliterate it together! 💼🌟
#FemaleFounders#EmpowerEntrepreneurs#InvestInEquality#BusinessRevolution#BreakingBarriers
Thanks to @Hallidonto H. Visual artist for this fantastic piece 💟
CEO. Investor. Business Witch. Dell Womens Entrepreneur Network Australian Chapter Leader. Top 8 Women-Lead Fast Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific Region.
5moI honestly think our only solution is to divest. I ran a panel on this topic a couple of years ago and Catherine J. said to me “Leela, the system isn’t broken - it’s working exactly the way it was designed to.” And while I’ve never been a “work inside the system” person, this hit me really hard.