Our Mission.
Women Founders is a youth-powered 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to close the gender gap that exists in the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through the distribution of microgrants, championing equitable access to capital and resources, and building strong networks of women entrepreneurs, we aim to empower women across the nation to hold more equity in their ventures, and uplift other women while they're at it.
Our Operations.
Microgrant Fund.
Only 1.9% of venture capital funding was distributed to women founded businesses in 2022. FoundHer Funding, is an avenue through which we distribute equity-free money to women founded ventures in an attempt to close this gap. This fund is being launched on November 4th, 2023, through a pitch competition, where $10,000.00 of equity free money will be divided and distributed to three women founded ventures.
Collegiate Chapters.
The intention behind our collegiate chapters is to create a network for budding women entrepreneurs to cultivate their skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Our collegiate chapters operate through a four-pronged model: networking, mentor match program, professional development and a speaker series.
Professional Cohorts.
Network is your net worth. Our professional cohorts are a space for established women entrepreneurs to connect with one another and resource share. Our goal is to create an environment where women are not competing with each other, but instead, together against the status quo. In 2023, we are launching professional cohorts in Chicago, Columbus, Austin and Cincinnati.
Our Founding Story.
Women entrepreneurs do not have the same access to venture capital funding as men do. In 2022, only 1.9% of venture capital funding in the U.S. was distributed to women founded ventures. So, in the spring of 2020, Apoorva Mekala, our Founder & Executive Director, launched the flagship chapter of Women Founders at The Ohio State University, with a vision to close the gender gap in the E&I ecosystem. In 2021, Women Founders was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) to scale operations nationally and create a large, national network of both collegiate and professional entrepreneurs.
Meet The Board of Directors.
Meet Our Collegiate Chapter Leaders.
Our Vision
More women in positions of power. More women decision makers. More women entrepreneurs and women VCs holding majority equity in their ventures. More women in the workforce. More ventures inclusive of women.
Our Sponsors.
