Female Founders Fund
Status
Active
Global HQ
New York, United States
Countries of investment
- USA
Investment stages
- Seed
Industries
- Fintech
- InsurTech
About
Female Founders Fund is a New York–based seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2013 that invests exclusively in startups founded by women. The fund is driven by the belief that exceptional female-led talent drives superior outcomes, focusing on early-stage technology companies in sectors like e-commerce, media, platforms, advertising, and web-enabled services. Their portfolio includes high-growth brands such as Maven Clinic, Zola, and Thrive Global, supported by an active, community-centric approach.
Female Founders Fund is a New York–based seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2013 that invests exclusively in startups founded by women. The fund is driven by the belief that exceptional female-led talent drives superior outcomes, focusing on early-stage technology companies in sectors like e-commerce, media, platforms, advertising, and web-enabled services. Their portfolio includes high-growth brands such as Maven Clinic, Zola, and Thrive Global, supported by an active, community-centric approach.
Investment Thesis
Female Founders Fund invests exclusively in companies founded and led by women, supported by data that female founders deliver stronger returns than male-led businesses. They focus on tech-enabled startups across sectors and aim to back underserved female entrepreneurs to address systemic funding imbalances. Their approach is centered on venture-scale growth.
Manager's Experience
Founded by Anu Duggal, the firm has invested in over 75 companies since 2012 across diverse industries. Anu Duggal faced initial challenges as a first-time fund manager and has a decade of investing experience focused on female founders. The team strongly believes in the exponential power of exceptional female talent and has a portfolio including companies like Minibar, ELOQUII, and Maven.
Team
Emily St. Denis – Operating Partner
Zabreen Khan – Principal
Layla Alexander – Investment Analyst.
Portfolio
Krystle Mobayeni
Georgina Gooley
Diane Loviglio
Mariah Chase
Selina Tobaccowala
Kel Rakowski
Yusha Hu
Annie Reardon & Renee Russo
Katerina Mountanos & Elizabeth Whitman
Lindsey Andrews & Lara Crystal
Sarah Hicks
Marissa Evans Alden & Stephanie Choi
Naomi Hirabayashi & Marah Lidey
Mia Lewin
Alisa Volkman
Holly Whitaker
Elizabeth Brown
Liz Wessel
Natalie Mackey
Kate Kallot