Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: 12th Annual Women’s Venture Summit Set for San Diego

Stella Foundation's 12th Annual Women’s Venture Summit

The Stella Foundation is gearing up for its highly anticipated 12th Annual Women's Venture Summit (WVS), which is set to take place in sunny San Diego, California, from September 23 to 25, 2025. This year, the summit adopts the resonant theme of Building Boldly, aiming to support the growth of women entrepreneurs and fortify the community of women investors, while reshaping the traditional landscape of venture capital.

This year's event boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who are trailblazers in the realms of finance, technology, culture, and leadership. Notable figures include Lauren B. Leichtman, recognized by Forbes as the world's first female billionaire in private equity; her story of scaling both capital and impact promises to inspire attendees. Joining her are Cindy Gallop, the dynamic founder of MakeLoveNotPorn, who is known for her fearless approach to promoting equity and inclusion; Vlada Bortnik, CEO and Co-Founder of Marco Polo, who will speak on the necessity of purpose-driven technology; and Andrea Holland, an award-winning executive coach who will provide insights on leading with boldness in high-stakes situations.

The three-day summit is not just a series of speeches; it features a rich array of workshops, interactive sessions, and fireside chats, all tailored to close the funding gap for women-led ventures. These sessions will cover important topics such as Alternative Capital Pathways for Founders, Personal Finance Best Practices for Investors, and strategies for Breakthroughs in VC and Angel Investing. Furthermore, dedicated networking lounges and curated meetups will create unique opportunities for emerging investors to meet fund managers, while founders can establish valuable connections with active capital providers.

A standout feature of the summit is the Women's Fast Pitch Semi-Finals, where six exceptional women founders, selected from regional competitions across the U.S., will compete for a chance to win more than $50,000 in grants, investments, and support services. This pitch competition has become a hallmark of the WVS, with previous participants often going on to secure significant venture funding, gain national media coverage, and attract acquisition opportunities.

Flossie Hall, CEO of the Stella Foundation, emphasized the importance of this summit in the current climate: “In a year where political and economic headwinds are dismantling resources for women, we are taking a different route. The Women’s Venture Summit is doubling down on supporting women, providing them with the essential capital, connections, and knowledge required to thrive. This summit is not merely an event; it’s a bold response to the challenges we face, serving as a launchpad for the companies and funds that will define the future economy.”

Dr. Silvia Mah, Founder and Chair of the Board of the Stella Foundation, remarked, “When women invest in women, we foster exponential impact. WVS serves as a catalyst where innovation, capital, and purpose converge, accelerating the cycle of empowerment.”

Since its inception, the WVS has successfully facilitated over $250 million in capital for women-led ventures. The 2025 summit boasts sponsorship from various organizations including The Impact Seat Foundation, Comcast Lift Labs, Cooley LLP, Holland & Knight LLP, and She Invests, alongside a coalition of partners dedicated to promoting equity in venture capitalism.

For those interested in attending, tickets and the complete agenda are available at www.womensventuresummit.org.

About the Women’s Venture Summit

The Women’s Venture Summit is a nationwide event designed to connect female founders with investors. Tailored for aspiring investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and community partners, the summit combines education, networking, and capital to enhance funding opportunities for women-led businesses.

About the Stella Foundation

Established in 2012, the Stella Foundation's mission is to connect women founders and investors with the right resources. Serving a community of over 10,000 women annually and facilitating more than $250 million in funding, the Stella Foundation provides curriculum, advisory services, and events like the Women's Fast Pitch and the Women’s Venture Summit to promote equality in venture capital.