Founders FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I filled out your online form—how long does it take to hear back from you?
Use the simple intake form at our website: https://www.howwomeninvest.com/founders. This method ensures that we get all the information we need to review your company without you spending extra time filling a dossier with materials we won’t look at.
I was referred to you by a friend - can she introduce me by email?
Of course–and we will still direct you to our intake form. There’s space there for you to let us know who referred you. We attribute the strength of our incoming opportunities to the care our network takes in introducing us to outstanding founders, and we appreciate introductions and referrals.
I filled out your online form—how long does it take to hear back from you?
Once you've entered our pipeline and we’ve heard your initial pitch, the reviewing process takes 4-6 weeks.
What happens if you like my application?
Reviewing the initial application begins a thorough process of due diligence. We’ll invite you to pitch to our Investment Committee, and in some cases also a subset of our investors. There’ll be additional requests for information about your company’s finances and growth plans. At every stage, we ask for no more than what we need to make an informed decision.
What types of companies are you looking to invest in?
We fund companies that are 100% women-founded with an emphasis on women of color. We are seeking innovative solutions to problems that are:
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US based
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Tech-enabled
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Beyond proof of concept
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Target market over $500+ million, preference for B2B commercialization
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Clear Exit Strategy within 5-7 Years
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Pre-Seed stage through Series B investment rounds
What makes How Women Invest a strong partner for my business?
We are committed to a transparent, quick process and make significant investments with the full power of our ecosystem behind our founders. Our investment opens your world and provides access to other venture capitalists and a network of 20,000+ senior executive women leaders from our sister organization How Women Lead. We offer strategic support and advisors from our community to help you scale.
What other ways does How Women Invest support portfolio companies?
We enthusiastically provide warm introductions to strategic clients and other VCs; connections to industry expertise; referrals to top talent; and social media amplification. Your success is our success, and we show up as a supportive partner.
How much do you typically invest? / What is the average check size?
Check size can range from $100K - $500K depending on the size of the raise and stage of the company. We reserve about half of our fund for follow-on investments to support companies as they scale and preserve our investors’ interests.
Do you lead fundraising rounds?
Typically no, we prefer to invest alongside a lead investor with the appropriate industry and technical experience.
Are you industry agnostic?
Yes, with the exception of CPG. Given inflation and supply chain disruptions, CPG has proven difficult in the current environment.
What is the size of the fund?
Fund I is a $10 million fund and is currently closed to new investments as the remaining capital is reserved for follow-on. Fund II is a $20 million fund focused on seed stage companies.