TLDR:
– Blackbird Ventures, the venture capital firm behind the Kiki debacle, has faced criticism from women-led startups for its lack of support for female founders.
– Women founders argue that Blackbird prioritizes male-led companies and overlooks products and ideas aimed at women.
– Despite Blackbird’s efforts to promote gender equality through mentoring and incubator programs, the percentage of VC funding for women-led companies worldwide has remained stagnant or decreased over the past five years.
– The article suggests that the lack of funding for women-led startups is a systemic issue rooted in a culture that dismisses women’s ideas and value. Women founders often face platitudes and lack of confidence, while men are given more leeway to fail.
– The author recommends divesting from this system and pursuing alternative funding methods, such as bootstrapping and seeking support from other women entrepreneurs.
Women-Led Startups: Unveiling the Predictable Blackbird-Kiki Debacle
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