Fearless Fund Fighting Lack of Female Entrepreneurs
Jul 18, 2023
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Arian Simone, President and CEO of the Fearless Fund, talks about the underrepresentation of women of color in entrepreneurship. They discuss the need for diversity in investment and the benefits of investing in diverse teams. They also address the lack of diversity in venture capital and the need to make funding decisions based on profitability rather than personal networks.
Women of color receive only 2% of VC money, prompting the need for funds like Fearless Fund.
Diversity and inclusion in investments lead to better financial performance, backed by various reports.
Deep dives
Investing in Women of Color: Addressing Underrepresentation in Venture Capital
Women and individuals of color are significantly underrepresented in venture capital funding, with women in general receiving only 2% of VC money. The Fearless Fund is the first venture capital fund built by and for women of color, and it aims to provide capital to underrepresented women in entrepreneurship. Backed by notable names like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and MasterCard, the fund has already invested in about 40 companies. The fund's mission is driven by the belief that diversity-led teams outperform non-diverse teams, with numerous reports confirming the financial benefits of diversity in business. By diversifying both the investors and investments, the fund seeks to create a more inclusive and economically successful venture capital landscape.
Challenges of Diversity in Venture Capital
The lack of investment money flowing to individuals of color who have started businesses can be attributed to multiple factors, including racism, sexism, and the issue of proximity. Even when systemic issues are taken out of the equation, a non-diverse group of people controlling the allocation of funds tends to favor their current network and environment. However, it is crucial to remind investors that investing in diverse businesses is good for their bottom line. Diversity and inclusion have been proven to lead to better financial performance, as highlighted by various reports. Convincing investors to prioritize profit over biases is key to fostering more diverse investment decisions.
Arian Simone, President and CEO of the Fearless Fund, discusses the underrepresentation of women of color in entrepreneurship. Hosts: Carol Massar and Matt Miller. Producer: Paul Brennan.