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Our “Investing in Women Entrepreneurs” program will unite industry leaders, investors, and changemakers to address one of the most critical challenges in entrepreneurship today: supporting and funding women founders. This event aims to foster collaboration and drive impactful change by focusing on creating opportunities and removing barriers for women entrepreneurs.

Individual Pricing:
Members: $75
Nonmembers: $150
Branded Table (Seats 10):
Members: $900
Nonmembers: $1,800

This program is closed to the Media. Questions? Reach out to Eva Penar.

The Reality Check – Why Aren’t Women Getting Funded?

The program begins with a session that addresses the critical question, “Why Aren’t Women Getting Funded?” Here, attendees are presented with stark realities: women entrepreneurs receive less than 3% of venture capital funding annually, despite founding nearly half of new businesses. Industry leaders and researchers will dive into systemic biases, unconscious decision-making in funding committees, and the gap between women-led startups and investor networks. This session emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing these inequities.

Starr Marcello

Deputy Dean for MBA Programs, Chicago Booth

The Chicago Blueprint – Progress and Possibility: Chicago’s Role in Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

The second session zeroes in on Chicago, a city uniquely positioned as a hub of innovation and collaboration. It will showcase the tangible strides being made locally. Leaders from accelerators like 1871, venture capitalists, and city-based initiatives highlight successful programs, resources, and networks that support women founders. This session is rich with actionable insights, from grant opportunities to mentoring programs, and underscores Chicago’s commitment to rewriting the narrative.

Ellie Bahrmasel

Founder and CEO, Peranaut

Shayna Harris

Managing Partner, Supply Change Capital

Sonia Nagar

Co-founder & Managing Partner, SNAK Venture Partners

Betsy Ziegler, Moderator

CEO, 1871

Changing the Investor Landscape – Angel Investing and the Untapped Potential of Women Investors

We address a pivotal issue in the ecosystem: why, despite controlling substantial global wealth, women aren’t investing at the same rate as their male counterparts. Attendees will hear from successful women investors and investment groups who are changing the narrative by funding other women. Panelists will share inspiring stories, simplify the angel investing process, and offer insights on how to foster confidence among potential female investors.

Susan Abrams

Managing Partner, Golden Seeds

Melissa Widen

Co-Founder, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Impact Deposits, First Women’s Bank

Desiree Vargas Wrigley

Co-Founder, Josephine Collective

Amanda Lannert, Moderator

CEO, Jellyvision

Featured Sponsor

Signature Series Season Sponsors

Promotional Partner

Media Partner