How Women Invest's First Fund: A Success Story Amid Challenges

Celebrating the Triumph of Women-led Investment

In an environment where the venture capital landscape is often fraught with challenges, How Women Invest (HWI) stands out as a beacon of success. Launched in 2020, this pioneering fund has defied conventional norms and has already delivered impressive returns, specifically through the successful exits of its portfolio companies. These companies—Gaiascope, Long Game, and Hitch—highlight the potential of female-led innovation, especially during a period where many ventures are facing significant hurdles.

Resilient Returns Against the Odds

HWI's journey showcases the effectiveness of investing in women. With numerous headlines focusing on layoffs and declining tech valuations, How Women Invest has consistently supported diverse and impact-driven startups, demonstrating that female-led companies not only survive but thrive. According to Boston Consulting Group (BCG), women-run businesses generate twice the revenue per dollar invested compared to those led by men, validating HWI's investment strategy.

Heather Jerrehian, a Founding Limited Partner of HWI and CEO of Hitch, emphasizes, "This exit is a powerful example of what happens when women invest in women—with both capital and conviction." Her experience aligns with HWI's mission, reinforcing the idea that investment practices based on purpose can coexist with profitability.

Lauren Kuntz, CEO and Co-founder of Gaiascope, echoes this sentiment, highlighting how HWI's support transcends traditional investor-entrepreneur relationships. "From the first meeting, it was clear this group was unlike any other—willing to support us through every challenge we faced as a startup. Their network and expertise have been integral to our success," she explains.

A Shift Towards Inclusive Investment

The fund's exclusive focus on women-founded and women-led companies signifies a larger shift within the investment community, advocating for a more inclusive approach. Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of How Women Lead and HWI's Managing Partner, asserts, "These exits aren't lucky breaks; they're proof points. When women control capital and invest in other women, the data and the returns speak for themselves." HWI’s model aims to create a portfolio that mirrors the future's demands for visionary, resilient, and inclusive leadership.

The fund's persistent commitment to identifying talented female founders is fundamental to its mission. By backing these entrepreneurs with not just capital, but also resources and networks, HWI is redefining the landscape of venture capital. The ongoing success of seeds planted within this ecosystem paves the way for transforming the narrative surrounding women in venture investing.

Building a Powerful Network

The emphasis on community and support within HWI creates a compelling case for its unique strategy. Women who invest in this network often have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of startup life, allowing them to provide informed, empathetic guidance. This aspect of HWI has distinguished it from other investors who may simply offer capital without genuine involvement.

As How Women Invest continues to forge its path, the coming months and years will be critical in sustaining momentum. The fund’s strategy demonstrates the importance of aligning investment practices with purpose, particularly in today’s varied landscape where innovative female-led initiatives promise to reshape industries.

In conclusion, as How Women Invest celebrates these early achievements, it also sets a powerful precedent for the future of venture capital. By prioritizing investments in women, HWI is not merely addressing equity gaps but is also fostering an ecosystem where purpose-driven growth can flourish. For anyone interested in the evolving landscape of venture capital, HWI offers an inspiring model of success in challenging times.

For further details on How Women Invest and its initiatives, visit howwomeninvest.com.