Business Resources
Golden Seeds: Investing in Women-Led Ventures
By Jill Preotle, Golden Seeds
Women today are leading the way in business creation. Since 1992 the number of women-owned businesses has grown nearly three times faster than businesses in general and currently represent nearly half of the privately-held firms in the country.
Yet historically women-led companies have received only 2.4% of venture capital investments. In some years they received no funding at all. Part of the reason may be that of the estimated 234,000 angels who invested $25.6 billion in nearly 51,0000 entrepreneurial deals in 2006, fewer than 14% were female.
Golden Seeds was founded in
Angel investing is not for the faint-hearted. It is high risk investing with potentially high rewards. For many experienced businesswomen angel investing can offer an exciting venue in which to profitably leverage their business experience. Golden Seeds is creating a powerful network of successful businesswomen who mentor and invest in the next generation of rising stars.
Golden Seeds’ current portfolio includes Carnegie Speech, Chromis Fiberoptics, gDiapers, Dry Soda, Dancing Deer Baking Company, Artemis Woman, Crimson Hexagon and Investment Instruments (aka rentomatic or rentometer). In most cases a Golden Seeds investor becomes a board member of the portfolio company in order to track its progress and provide guidance and assistance as the company grows.
In addition to the focus on women-led companies, Golden Seeds is distinguished from other angel forums by its training sessions for angel investors. We have developed modules that include discussion and case studies on topics such as valuation of early-stage companies, the due diligence process, term sheets and structuring the deal, and effective board membership, all presented in a friendly, supportive environment.
Guests are welcome at our monthly forums. Any TCI members interested in learning more about Golden Seeds’ membership should contact Jill Preotle (jpreotle@comcast.net; 617-266-6789) or Jean Hammond (jean@jph-associates.com; 781-416-5131).
