For female entrepreneurs, it’s no secret that raising money to build a business is tough. Often, being a woman in a male-dominated industry is an uphill battle. However, women everywhere are breaking barriers to prove they deserve equal opportunity and funding just as any other founder. 

Beyond learning to say no to the wrong opportunities, funding your startup or new business is crucial for growth. Whether the money comes from friends and family or a venture capital firm, access to capital isn’t created equal. Less than 10 percent of decision-makers at VC firms are women. Not only is the VC gender gap wide, but so are the deal stages and investments. Only about 3 percent of funding across the nation is put towards female-led companies. 

However, women aren’t letting this stop their passion or mission. There are many well-known female-led venture capital firms to look for. Some include Female Founders Fund, BBG Ventures, and Halogen Ventures to name a few.

For in-depth data and additional information on how to navigate this tough industry, check out Embroker’s guide all about female founders in venture capital. It covers leading metro areas for female-founded startups, how the data trends compare to mixed-gender companies, and specific VC firms that should be on your radar, and the value of investing in female-led startups.

As a female entrepreneur, there’s power in numbers. Seek mentorship, advice, or insights from other female founders who have gone through similar milestones. Everything from networking in your industry and building an ecosystem of support to breaking down your financials early on is important to reach success and achieve your mission.