2021 Female Founder Track

2.3%. That’s how much venture capital funding goes to startups led by women.

The tiny percentage, which dropped during the pandemic, validates the notion that venture capital remains a “boy’s club.” Even outside of strong networks, female founders struggle to break into a male-dominated industry.

This summer, Dorm Room Fund launched the Female Founder Track for the fourth time. The size of the track, for which DRF investment partners Lan Jiang and Chloe Lopez-Lee lead, mirrors that of the Female Investor Track. At the end of the summer, female investors from one track evaluated the companies by female founders in another track.

Over six evening sessions, female founders scale startups, raise capital, and craft a plan for a final pitch. Founders learn about scaling MVPs, fundraising, and hiring from the top female mentors in the business.

Check out the companies of the 2021 Female Founder Track!

Natasha Nanji, Alisha Nanji

Marketplace for graduate and undergraduate application help.

Learn more: https://www.theappbuddy.com

Sasha Landauer

Recommerce for the outdoors.

Learn more: http://requipper.com/

Natalia Murillo

Fractional ownership of NFTs.

Learn more: https://medium.com/block-parties/block-parties-db4467a2e1d8

Joelene Latief, Tim Chau

Impact-oriented social media community.

Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/impact/?hl=en

Lauren Rothwell

Platform for in-house corporate retreat planning.

Learn more: https://www.retrera.com/

Marinella Pinate

An investment platform between Wealthfront and Public for Mexico.

Learn more: https://www.tuzumma.com/

Tiffany Leong

East Asian superfoods.

Learn more: www.enjoyboyi.com

Megan Nash

Pubic hair trimmer for women.

Learn more: https://www.shoprayna.com/

Cecilia Rios Murrieta

Alcohol-free canned cocktails.

Learn more: www.joiedesans.com

Jing Tang

Wearable input device for AR glasses

Learn more: https://www.innatecontrol.com/

Sarah Chieng

Secondhand marketplace on college campuses.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahChieng/videos

Astha Sinha, Ayushi Sinha

Asian-inspired athleisure.

Company website: https://yustha.yoga/

Written by DRF head of content, Anne Wen. Reach her at annewen@dormroomfund.com. Get more updates on our Twitter, website, and newsletter. Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply here for an investment from Dorm Room Fund. Until next time! 🚀

This article first appeared on the DRF blog.