Gritty. Groundbreaking.

être Venture Capital invests in diverse founders who commercialize solutions that improve lives.

What We Do

We identify overlooked startups from a diverse national pool that have strong market potential.

We supercharge our founders' potential with coaching and networking in an inclusive venture capital ecosystem.

We bring early-stage startups to market that have developed novel solutions to urgent global problems.

We invite you to join our community as an investor, fund manager, founder, fractional talent or service provider.

être identified three gaps 
in the US venture capital market

Venture capital returns are depressed due to a herd mentality that chases trends. VC competition for the same deals puts downward pressure on returns. VC flows within insular networks of people and perspectives that limit innovation.

Venture capitalists have created market inefficiencies by overlooking innovations from women, minorities and geographically-diverse entrepreneurs.

Female founders receive only 2% of VC.

Shortage of early-stage investments in novel solutions that address urgent global problems (climate change, health care, housing, etc.) that have high market demand.

Meet Our Portfolio Companies

Learn about their solutions here.

Facing the Challenge: Accelerate Drug Discovery for Diabetes & Obesity by Eliminating Animal Testing

être “être is bringing about actionable change by providing capital, mentorship, and strategic thinking to teams like Obatala Sciences. Their knowledge of the venture capital landscape from both the existing and historical perspectives, and their willingness to step up to lead are invaluable to traditionally under-invested founders.”

— Trivia Frazier, PhD, MBA | Co-Founder & CEO | Obatala Sciences

Facing the Challenge: Climate Action

“Women in VC class is where I learned how venture capital should accelerate innovation and not stifle it with onerous investment terms. être was the first to invest in Hexas and is prepared to lead our seed round if other VCs undervalue what we are building.”

— Wendy Owens | Founder & CEO | Hexas Biomass

Support in Action

Venture Capital Ecosystem

Venture capital has been a male-dominated field with only 2% of venture capital invested into female-founded companies. être is opening up this field. We're developing an inclusive ecosystem, education, and resources to supercharge the potential of talented founders, managers, and investors.

Venture Capital Ecosystem

We're building an ecosystem of diverse fund managers, limited partners, founders, talent, and service providers who will mutually gain from — and contribute back to — the community.

Open Access Venture Capital Education

We provide educational resources to increase the knowledge, imagination, and opportunity that was often stifled by the exclusivity that dominated VC.

Transparent Templates & Documents

We provide open access to the term sheets and closing documents être uses to close deals. Series A closing documents can cost $50,000+. We are demystifying the process to set up founders and fund managers for success.

Upcoming Events & Class

Venture Capital 101 for Women Begins in October, 2024

être managing partner Jennifer Kuan, Ph.D. teaches Venture Capital 101 for Women twice a year in fall and winter to explain how venture capital works.

Who should take this class?

  • Women who are curious about venture capital
  • New fund managers, limited partners, entrepreneurs, fractional talent and service providers
  • Seasoned industry veterans who want to learn more about the history of venture capital and how collaboration led to its success

Fund Managers

Limited Partners

Startups

Fractional Talent &
Service Providers

Have a question about venture capital? Want to join our ecosystem? Interested in investing in our fund? Send us an message — we can’t wait to hear from you!