#EmbraceEquity: The Fund XX Celebrates International Women's Day
#EmbraceEquity: The Fund XX Celebrates International Women's Day
Our XX portfolio female founders share advice, biggest challenges, and icons for inspiration.
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. As a female-led VC fund, The Fund XX believes that promoting and supporting female entrepreneurs is crucial so that we #EmbraceEquity and make progress towards diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Historically, women have faced significant barriers in accessing funding and support for their businesses. According to recent studies, women-led startups receive less than 2% of venture capital funding despite evidence showing that businesses with diverse leadership teams perform better. At The Fund XX, we emphatically believe that investing and supporting women founders and CEOs not only helps to address gender inequality but also drives economic growth and innovation.
The Fund XX understands firsthand the unique challenges that women face in the business world. We have seen the difficulties of securing funding and gaining access to networks and resources. We also recognize the importance of diversity in leadership teams and the positive impact it has on the success of any business. We strive to not only provide funding but also to support female entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources. By working together, we can break down the barriers that have traditionally hindered women’s success in the business world. For these aforementioned reasons, we asked these impressive women founders and CEOs from The Fund XX portfolio to share advice for other female entrepreneurs looking to get started and thrive in this market.
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Q: What is your biggest challenge as a female founder?
Jessica McGlory, Founder & CEO, Guaranteed
Female Icon: “Serena Williams ~ Her grit, determination, business prowess and athletic capabilities are all incredibly admirable traits.”
Michelle Huie, Founder & CEO, ShopDot
Female Icon: “My mother – she immigrated from Hong Kong to the US in the late 1960s and had the strongest work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. She opened up a hair salon in NYC Chinatown all while working full time as a seamstress in the Garment District. She passed away when I was 15 but seeing how hard she hustled for her family will forever be imprinted in my memories of her.”
Renee Fry Founder, Gentreo
Female Icon: “Carla Harris forged the way for minority women on Wall Street and has been leading the way for women for over 30 years.”
Sam Coxe, Co-Founder & CEO, Flaus
Female Icon: “My female icon is Serena Williams, who has proven to young athletes that anything is possible and has inspired more diversity in sports. She has also inspired other communities, specifically women and mothers, when she shared her story on the experiences and hardships of childbirth. Serena had to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach the pinnacle of success. Not only is she an incredible athlete, but she is also a successful businesswoman, mother and friend.”
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Q: What are you most proud of to date as a female founder?
Ngoc Le, Co-Founder & CEO, Phase Zero
Female Icon: “Michelle Obama is a strong advocate for empowering women and is known for her grace, poise, and elegance.”
Bec Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Clutch Wallet
Female Icon: “Princess Diana ~ I admire her for challenging the expectations that were placed upon her, for her fierce dedication to fighting for equality and those in need, and for maintaining her composure in difficult public situations.”
Britt Fuller, Founder & CEO, Notably
Female Icon: “Melanie Perkins is one of my favorite female icons. She built Canva, a product in our same market, to a $6B company and did it while being candid about the challenges and rejections along the way. I admire her for using her success to invest in her community and causes she cares about. I just love her!”
Amanda Levay, Founder & CEO, Redactable
Female Icon: “I'd like to shout out the female VCs that invested in my company… all a part of the shift that we love to see in the fundraising landscape, and just having them on my cap table has been very inspiring!”
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Q: Any final tips for female founders getting started in this downturn?
Cara McCarty Abbott, CEO, Betterleave
Female Icon: “Women who are generous with their time, feedback and networks.”
Vanessa Liu, Co-Founder & CEO, Sugarwork
Female Icon: “My mom is my role model and the coolest woman I know. She started her crystal bedazzling business in the 1980s in the face of adversity - even family members did not want to give her capital. She's worked so hard to prove herself and is still at it at 80 years young, and I am constantly inspired by her.”
Jade Kearney, Co-Founder & CEO, She Matters
Female Icon: “Meena Harris ~ I am amazed at how she has managed to expand her brand and create huge impact through multiple ventures, and she does that as a woman of color and a Mama!”
Jennifer Brisman, Founder & CEO, VOW
Female Icon: “My 14 year old daughter. Home recovering from a life threatening ski accident. She cheers herself on from conquering a walk down and up our street, has mastered the game of chess and bakes like a world class chef, all while doubling down on her schoolwork, always wearing a bright smile.”
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We celebrate the incredible achievements of these women founders and CEOs and also so many more around the world paving the way for future generations so that we can truly #EmbraceEquity. The Fund XX encourages more investors to support women-led businesses and work towards a more diverse and equitable future. Investing in women is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a smart business decision. We are proud to support female entrepreneurs and will continue to do so, not just on International Women’s Day but each and every day.
The Fund XX Portfolio is hiring!
Betterleave is growing its provider network of grief therapists, death doulas and spiritual coaches.
Flaus is looking for superstar dentists to join the exclusive dental ambassador program. If interested, please reach out to us at partnerships@goflaus.com.
Gentreo just launched their Vice President of Marketing search.
Guaranteed is looking to hire a Head of Clinical Affairs.
Notably is hiring for a full stack engineer.
Also, check out over 600 open roles across the broader Fund community!