🚀 Female Founders Secure $38B in VC Funding – A Turning Point?

#1 Female Founders Raise $38 Billion in VC Funding in 2024

The latest data is in, and while the numbers show growth, they highlight just how far there is to go.

In 2024, female founders collectively secured $38.8 billion in venture capital funding—a 27% increase over the previous year, according to fresh data from PitchBook.

However, despite the increase in funding, the number of deals has decreased. There were 13.1% fewer transactions than in 2023, as VC activity continues to concentrate on fewer companies.

The current sociopolitical climate plays a significant role in shaping these numbers, especially with ongoing shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

The impact of recent policy changes and legal battles surrounding DEI policies is still unfolding. As these policies work their way through the courts, entry points for underrepresented founders may narrow, at least in the short term.

That said, the need for innovation—especially from women founders—remains as strong as ever.

Despite these challenges, 2024 saw notable wins for female founders.

Thirteen women-led companies reached unicorn status, pushing the collective value of female-founded unicorns past $300 billion, a 15.3% year-over-year increase. The top five include:

• Anthropic

• Scale AI

• Deel

• Talldesk

• Flexport

These companies are not just surviving—they are thriving. Female-founded companies are reaching unicorn status at a faster pace than ever before. The median time to reach a $1 billion valuation dropped from just under seven years in 2023 to 4.2 years in 2024.

Why It Matters

In fintech, the numbers present a more complex picture.

While all-female-founded fintech companies raised $181 million in 2024, this still represents just 1% of total U.S. fintech deal value.

This figure is significantly lower than female founders in other sectors, where the share of deal value was nearly 2% across the broader VC landscape.

Still, the funding is increasing, even if it remains unevenly distributed.

Women-led companies consistently outperform their male-led counterparts in terms of revenue generated per dollar raised and often drive cutting-edge innovation.

Female founders are building products and services that cater to female consumers, who control an estimated $32 trillion in global spending and are projected to command 75% of discretionary spending by 2030.

One region experiencing particular momentum is New York City, where female founders are making significant strides in consumer tech, especially in direct-to-consumer brands, sustainable products, and digital marketplaces.

This has led to an increase in early-stage investments as VCs recognize the strength of these women-led companies.

Fundraising Strategies for Female Founders

For early-stage founders, fundraising success often hinges on the strength of the team—its experience, network, and vision. Investors look for teams with the potential to build billion-dollar companies.

For growth-stage companies, investors seek strong product-market fit, a well-defined ideal customer profile, alignment with that profile’s needs, and a scalable sales model. The ability to grow efficiently and sustainably is critical.

While the VC landscape is still evolving, the momentum for female founders is undeniable. As more women secure funding and build unicorns, they pave the way for others. However, much work remains, and both investors and founders must continue pushing forward.

For now, these wins should be celebrated, with an eye toward driving even more progress in the years ahead.

ResilienceVC co-founders and Managing Partners Vikas Raj and Tahira Dosani

#2 ResilienceVC Closes $56 Million Fund to Back Fintechs Driving Financial Inclusion

ResilienceVC, a new seed-stage venture capital firm, has closed its debut fund, raising $56 million to back fintech companies focused on driving financial inclusion.

The firm aims not only to deliver strong returns but also to reshape the financial landscape for underserved Americans.

At the core of ResilienceVC’s thesis is the belief that financial services should empower people to build stability rather than struggle against financial insecurity.

As co-founder and managing partner Vikas Raj states: “Financial services should provide stability, not stress. Yet, gaps in the system leave families struggling with financial shocks, unable to build for the future.”

Why It Matters

Founded in 2023 by Tahira Dosani and Vikas Raj, ResilienceVC targets startups addressing major financial challenges in the U.S., such as access to homeownership, affordable insurance, and government benefits.

With over 70% of Americans facing financial instability, the need for innovative fintech solutions is urgent.

The firm focuses on embedded fintechs that simplify navigating financial challenges—from securing homeownership to accessing pre-tax benefits—making financial tools more transparent and accessible.

ResilienceVC aims to make 25 investments through its debut fund, with an average initial check of approximately $1 million per company. Notably, 75% of ResilienceVC’s portfolio companies are led by underrepresented founders.

This focus underscores both a moral and financial case for backing diverse talent in fintech, as data increasingly shows that diverse leadership drives superior business outcomes.

By championing financial inclusion and supporting fintech startups solving real-world problems, ResilienceVC is working to create a more equitable financial system while generating strong investment returns.