The Good, The Bad, and The Underfunded: Why Women Founders Get Less but Deliver More

Here’s the truth: women are starting businesses faster than ever before — and we’re damn good at it. But when it comes to funding, the numbers are stacked against us.

💡 Fact: Companies with female founders deliver 63% better returns than all-male founding teams.
💡 Also fact: Less than 10% of venture capital funding goes to women.

Make it make sense.

The Good

The surge of women entering entrepreneurship is inspiring. From tech startups to service-based businesses, women are proving we don’t just deserve a seat at the table — we’re building new tables entirely. We’re out here disrupting industries, building scalable businesses, and generating real results.

The Bad

Despite the performance, the funding gap is real. Many investors still see women as “riskier bets,” and the moment you add a male co-founder, suddenly the checks get bigger. (Annoying? Yes. A reason to quit? Absolutely not.) This bias means you’ll likely face more rejection than your male counterparts. It’s not about you — it’s about outdated thinking.

The Opportunity

Here’s where it gets good again: investors are finally catching on. Female-focused funds like Female Founders Fund, Golden Seeds, and BBG Ventures are stepping up. Angel investors are more open to women-led companies than traditional VCs. Crowdfunding platforms are giving founders direct access to supporters who believe in their vision. And every year, more women step into the role of investor themselves — which changes the game for all of us.

What This Means for You

Know the stats. Walk into every pitch ready to remind investors that women-led startups outperform. They can’t argue with data.
Find your people. Target investors who have a track record of backing women. Don’t waste time convincing dinosaurs who are stuck in the past.
Stay resilient. Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.” Your vision is bigger than their bias.
Play the long game. Funding is tough, but the payoff isn’t just money — it’s freedom. Freedom to grow your business, scale your vision, and prove the numbers right.
 
✨ Bottom line: The funding game is still unfair, but women founders are proving every day that we can do more with less — and investors who ignore that are missing out. Don’t let the numbers discourage you. Let them fuel you.