Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley
Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 that focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups, particularly those led by women. With a team of nine, the firm connects international female investors to funding opportunities, emphasizing support for women entrepreneurs across North America.
Company Overview
Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley is a privately held venture capital firm founded in 2021. The company operates with a small team of nine members and focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups. The firm is part of a broader network that includes investment groups across North America, such as Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria. The organization emphasizes the importance of female investors and aims to provide them with access to investment opportunities in high-potential growth companies.
Investment Focus
Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley primarily invests in seed stage opportunities and maintains an industry-agnostic approach. The firm has a strong preference for women-led and Canadian early-stage companies, although it also invests in male-led startups. The average investment range is between $30K and $50K CAD, with specific investments typically ranging from $25K to $50K across 9 to 15 startups. Each investment group within the organization has its own investment thesis tailored to its regional focus.
Funding and Impact
By the end of the year, Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley had invested in approximately 40 companies, with over 70% of these investments directed towards women-run and women-led businesses. The organization has partnered with BDC’s $100M Thrive Lab to support women-led social impact businesses. Additionally, WEL Atlantic successfully raised $250,000 to invest specifically in women-led ventures, demonstrating its commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship.
Community and Collaboration
Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley operates in collaboration with various local angels, incubators, accelerators, and educational institutions. The firm consists of over 150 women investors from around the world, creating a diverse network that supports women seeking education and opportunities as angel investors. WEL Victoria, one of its branches, works closely with local organizations to enhance deal flow and investment opportunities for its members.
Recent Developments
Recently, Women's Equity Lab - Silicon Valley has seen significant growth and expansion. WEL Atlantic launched a second fund with 50 women investors, while WEL Toronto closed an initial round of fundraising for Fund III. These developments reflect the organization's ongoing commitment to increasing female representation in venture capital and supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs.