TLDR:
– Pam Kostka, former CEO of All Raise, discussed the challenges female founders face in accessing capital and building connections in the tech industry.
– Kostka emphasized the importance of diversifying those who are making investment decisions and creating overlapping networks to support female entrepreneurs.
Article Summary:
In a recent event hosted by Graham & Walker, former All Raise CEO Pam Kostka shared insights on the barriers that female founders encounter in the tech industry. Kostka highlighted the following key points:
- Capital: Access to venture capital remains a challenge for female founders, with just 13% of decision-makers at U.S.-based venture firms being women. Kostka stressed the need to diversify investment decision-makers for a more inclusive ecosystem.
- Connections: Building a supportive community and nurturing connections across different networks is essential for female entrepreneurs. Kostka mentioned Graham & Walker, a venture capital fund that originated as a Facebook group for female entrepreneurs.
- Communication: Kostka emphasized the importance of equipping women with communication skills for investor pitches and meetings, noting the need for confidence and authenticity in interactions.
- Care: The lack of childcare support in the U.S. poses a challenge for working parents, contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry. Kostka encouraged both men and women to support and empower female entrepreneurs.
Kostka’s insights shed light on the systemic issues that hinder female founders from thriving in the tech sector and underscore the importance of collective efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
