When we talk about investing — whether in startups, leadership, or financial portfolios — the data is loud and clear: investing in women yields results. Yet, despite this truth, women founders still receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. At every turn, we’re overlooking one of the most strategic investment opportunities of our time.
So, why do women make such strong investments? Here are a few reasons, backed by research, experience, and the powerful stories we showcase in Show Her the Money movie.
Join us in reshaping the future of funding — because when you invest in women, everybody wins.
Catherine Gray
Founder, She Angel Investors
General Partner, Silicon Valley Womens Founders Fund
Author | TEDx Speaker
Host, Invest In Her Podcast
Producer, Show Her the Money Movie
Watch my Ted talk here!
https://youtu.be/Ms-tROEeLn4
So, why do women make such strong investments? Here are a few reasons, backed by research, experience, and the powerful stories we showcase in Show Her the Money movie.
Women-Led Companies Deliver Higher Returns
Studies from the Boston Consulting Group and First Round Capital show that startups founded or co-founded by women generate more revenue per dollar invested than those founded by men. Women-run startups return 78 cents for every dollar invested, compared to just 31 cents for male-run startups. When women receive the capital they deserve, they know how to make it work — often stretching dollars further, making smarter hires, and staying laser-focused on profitability. In an economy where efficiency and outcomes matter, women repeatedly outperform expectations.Women Are Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse
There’s a common misconception that women are too risk-averse to be bold entrepreneurs. The truth? Women are risk-aware. They take calculated risks, think through scenarios, and consider the long-term impact of their decisions. This deliberate approach doesn’t equate to fear; it equates to foresight. Research consistently shows that women-led funds and companies experience fewer extreme failures. This type of leadership promotes stability and resilience — qualities that should be highly valued by investors looking for sustainable growth.Women Innovate Where It Matters Most
Women founders frequently build solutions for underserved markets — health, education, family care, sustainability, and fintech — sectors that directly impact millions but are often underfunded by traditional investors. These founders bring lived experience to the table, designing products and services that meet real, unmet needs. They aren’t guessing what their customers want — they know. This positions their companies to build strong user loyalty and generate consistent demand.Diverse Teams Outperform
Multiple studies confirm that companies with diverse leadership across gender, race, and background consistently outperform less diverse teams. Diversity fosters innovation, challenges groupthink, and brings fresh perspectives to complex problems. Women leaders are more likely to build inclusive teams, which creates stronger, more adaptable businesses. In today’s competitive landscape, adaptability and innovation are key drivers of success.Women Lead Through Collaboration and Community
One of the greatest strengths I’ve observed in the women founders we feature in Show Her the Money is their ability to build and lean into powerful networks. Women are masters of collaboration. They share knowledge, seek mentorship, and often pay it forward by supporting other founders along the way. This community-driven approach strengthens their companies, fosters goodwill, and opens doors to meaningful partnerships and customer relationships.The Bottom Line: It’s Not Charity — It’s Smart Business
Investing in women isn’t about “giving them a chance.” It’s about recognizing untapped value and investing where the market has been blind. When you fund women, you’re not betting on potential — you’re backing proven performance, leadership, and innovation. The next generation of game-changing solutions will come from women and other historically overlooked founders who are building with intention, empathy, and vision. If you’re ready to learn more about the incredible founders changing the investment landscape, visit ShowHerTheMoneyMovie.com.Join us in reshaping the future of funding — because when you invest in women, everybody wins.
Catherine Gray
Founder, She Angel Investors
General Partner, Silicon Valley Womens Founders Fund
Author | TEDx Speaker
Host, Invest In Her Podcast
Producer, Show Her the Money Movie
Watch my Ted talk here!
https://youtu.be/Ms-tROEeLn4
