Female founders: Don't talk to male investors*

Here’s a harsh reality for female founders: investors are creatures of habit, and their habits don’t favor you. Investors are always looking for the next big thing, but their approach often relies heavily on pattern matching. They seek out trends and success stories that fit their preconceived notions, and unfortunately, that usually doesn’t include female founders.

Let’s get straight to the point. Why would you be the first if a male investor has never written a check to a female founder? It’s not just about pitching your heart out; it’s about pushing a boulder uphill, trying to change a life-long pattern. You’re asking them to consciously or unconsciously do something different, and in the process, you're taking on a fight with years - maybe decades - of neural pathways. They’ve built a portfolio based on certain patterns, and deviating from those patterns isn’t something they’re inclined to do.

I have no real opinion on whether this bias is a deliberate act or a subconscious reflex. The fact remains: it’s there. And if you subscribe to the idea that actions speak louder than words, then, well, it's there, loud and clear.

So why put yourself in that position? Why set yourself up for a battle that you don’t need to fight? Instead, be strategic. Look at their investing history. Don't waste your time if they’ve never backed a female founder.

Your time is precious, and there are investors out there who have proven they believe in female founders.

This isn’t just about avoiding rejection. It’s about finding the right fit for your company, and that fit includes an investor who has done the work to break their own biases, is open-minded, forward-thinking, and willing to break from their established patterns.

If you're an investor, reading this, feeling a bit uncomfortable? Good. Women are 51.1% of the population. Harvard business school has 45% women in its program. Stanford's Graduate School of Business has 46% women in its MBA program. If your portfolio of founders doesn't have at least 45% women in it, I don't give a shit about how this article makes you feel. Go do the work. Figure out your biases. You deserve to feel discomfort. It’s time to reflect on your biases and make a change. The startup world is evolving, and those who don’t adapt will be left behind. Female founders are not just a trend; they are the future. If your portfolio doesn’t reflect that, it’s high time it did.

Investing is about taking risks and believing in potential. If you’ve never written a check to a female founder, maybe it’s time to start. If you can’t see the value and potential in diverse perspectives, you’re not just missing out on great opportunities—you’re failing the industry as a whole.

So, female founders, be discerning. Do your homework. Seek out the investors who have a track record of supporting women. They’re out there, and they’re the ones who will appreciate the unique value you bring to the table. And to the investors stuck in their old ways—wake up. The future of innovation demands it.