Five fundraising recommendations from women investors
Despite progress in entrepreneurship, women-led startups continue to face a massive funding gap. In 2023, startups founded solely by women received just 1.6% of venture capital in Europe and 2.1% in the U.S. In Africa, that figure was only 1.5% between 2019 and 2023. This funding drought isn’t just about numbers — it’s tied to a broader culture of gender bias in investing. With women making up only about 15% of decision-makers in major European VC firms, it’s no wonder that many female founders still describe the investment world as an exclusive “boys’ club.”
But it’s not all bad news. The number of women angel investors is growing fast, and many funds are actively seeking to diversify their portfolios. According to PwC’s recent report, 40% of VC firms in Europe are spending more time sourcing women-led startups. Even so, women founders report that they don’t get as many chances to pitch, and when they do, they face tougher and more personal questions. There’s a real mismatch between demand and supply — investors want more women-led companies, but too few are getting in the door.
The report shares five smart fundraising tips from women investors to help female founders boost their chances: know the funding landscape, choose investors wisely, build a strong (and strategic) network, be ready for tough questions, and always think big. But it also makes one thing clear: fixing this funding gap isn’t just up to women — it’s a job for the whole startup ecosystem. If half the world’s talent can’t scale, we’re all missing out. The message is loud and clear: women entrepreneurs don’t just need funding — they deserve it.
