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Women-owned businesses are flourishing, according to an article on the Wisconsin Technology Network. The number of companies owned by women and the revenue they generate are increasing fast. However, funding for such companies is not easy to find.
The article “Women and Capital” took a look at trends in “angel” and venture capital funding. One source of funding being explored in Wisconsin are networks of successful women.
Linda Darragh, director of entrepreneurship programs and adjunct a ssociate professor of entrepreneurship at the GSB, is quoted in the article as acknowledging wealthy women are a very viable source. She notes, however, that they have tended to donate their money to charity.
On a national level, the article points to the success of Springboard Enterprises, a non-profit that helps connect women with private equity markets. Springboard claims several thousand investors and $3 billion in capital. They hold forums around the country where women entrepreneurs present their ideas and seek funding.
The Michael P. Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship at the GSB sponsors Springboard Enterprises when is comes to the Midwest. In addition, Darragh, and Ellen Rudnick, clinical professor of entrepreneurship and executive director of the Polsky Center, are members of the planning board.
The article on “Women and Capital” appeared October 26, 2005 on the Wisconsin Technology Network.
Related Information:
The GSB also helps women entrepreneurs through the Herman Family Fellowship at the Polsky Center.
One GSB alumna active in the venture capital field is Kathryn Gould, ‘78. Gould, the winner of the 2005 Distinguished Entrepreneurial Alumni Award, is cofounder and partner of Foundation Capital in Menlo Park, California.