Our Why
In 2021, women raised just 2% of the record $330 billion in venture capital.
Of that 2%, Black and Latinx women hovered around 0.05% each, while an estimated 0.71% went to Asian women and Indigenous Americans raised approximately .004% of known capital in the United States, according to Crunchbase.
Through Q3 of 2022, women raised just 1.9%. We have work to do, and it starts now.
About
Founders + Fund(Her)s seeks to bring together early-stage (one to five years of operations) women and non-binary founders from historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced communities looking to gain exposure and raise capital, with funders looking to advise, support and invest.
During each Founders + Fund(Her)s session, founders will have up to five (5) minutes to pitch their business followed by a brief Q&A with the panelists of local angel investors, serial entrepreneurs, and business leaders. In advance of pitching to the investor panel, each Founder will receive a one-on-one coaching session from a start-up coach including feedback on her deck and presentation style.
Participants will receive constructive feedback from the panel – crucial to any up-and-coming business – as well as introductions to relevant contacts, and possibly even funding.
Who Can Apply
Applicant Criteria
A woman or nonbinary entrepreneur who owns the largest or equal stake in a qualifying business that is majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by women or nonbinary individuals.
21 years or older as of the application due date.
Reside in Detroit/Southeast Michigan.
Be a legal resident of the U.S. and its territories.
Be a member of a historically underrepresented and under-resourced community.
Have a for-profit product, business, or business concept.
A woman or nonbinary entrepreneur who owns the largest or equal stake in a qualifying business that is majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by women or nonbinary individuals.
21 years or older as of the application due date.
Reside in Detroit/Southeast Michigan.
Be a legal resident of the U.S. and its territories.
Be a member of a historically underrepresented and under-resourced community.
Have a for-profit product, business, or business concept.
Company Criteria
For profit, from any industry.
Early-stage (one to five years of operations preferred): Company has a tested prototype or service model that is beginning to generate revenue and has developed a business plan.
Current annual revenue: $50,000 - $250,000 preferred.
Formed under United States law and operating in the United States and its territories.
For profit, from any industry.
Early-stage (one to five years of operations preferred): Company has a tested prototype or service model that is beginning to generate revenue and has developed a business plan.
Current annual revenue: $50,000 - $250,000 preferred.
Formed under United States law and operating in the United States and its territories.
Applications will open summer 2023. Selections will be made in Fall 2023.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
