Empowering Female Founders: $21 Million Secured by Okra's Fara Ashiru Jituboh at Bulgarian Demo Day

Discover how groundbreaking initiatives are reshaping the landscape for women in entrepreneurship and paving the way for unprecedented funding opportunities.

Welcome to this week's newsletter, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs who are making waves in the business world. As we explore the inspiring story of Fara Ashiru Jituboh, who secured $21 million for Okra, let's reflect on the transformative journey of female founders. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in entrepreneurship where barriers are dismantled and opportunities abound for women?

🚀 Startup of the Week: Levare Ventures

• Industry: Venture Capital
• Founder: June Angelides, a dedicated advocate for women and minority entrepreneurs, established Levare Ventures in 2022 after gaining substantial insights from her diverse journey in the entrepreneurial landscape. Her commitment to equity is reinforced by her extensive knowledge and experience in investing, alongside her role as a mentor to upcoming female leaders in the startup space.
• Recent Achievement: Levare Ventures has committed to investing between $25,000 and $100,000 in various sectors, aiming to support startups that not only drive financial returns but also create a positive impact in Africa's economy. The firm's focus on addressing unconscious biases within venture capital emphasizes its commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in funding (source: TechPoint Africa).
• Location: Headquarters in London, UK, with a strong focus on African startups.

Levare Ventures exemplifies innovation in the venture capital sector by addressing the unique challenges faced by female founders and actively investing in their potential to reshape industries.

🌟 Why It Matters

Levare Ventures, founded by June Angelides, is not just another venture capital firm; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for female founders and minority entrepreneurs. Its mission revolves around addressing the critical funding gap faced by women-led startups in Africa, which currently receive merely 2% of venture capital directed towards African startups with all-female founding teams. By committing to invest between $25,000 and $100,000 in promising businesses, Levare Ventures aims to foster inclusivity and ensure that diverse entrepreneurial talent is recognized and funded.

June Angelides’ vision is deeply rooted in her experiences and the challenges she witnessed in the startup ecosystem. She challenges the status quo by highlighting the negative impact of unconscious biases in investment decisions and calls for a shift towards diverse representation within venture capital. Her leadership not only empowers female entrepreneurs but also sets a precedent for collaborative growth in industries traditionally dominated by men.

In a world where the participation of women in venture capital has doubled but still lags in funding for female-led ventures—evident from the 9.6% share of total venture capital in Europe in 2023—Levare Ventures exemplifies how targeted support can drive transformative change. Angelides is committed to uplifting voices that have been historically marginalized, positioning Levare Ventures as a crucial player in reshaping narratives around funding and innovation in the entrepreneurial landscape. Through her efforts, she inspires future generations of women entrepreneurs, proving that with the right support and resources, their visions can lead to substantial societal impacts (source: TechPoint Africa).

🏆 Key Milestones

• Record Investment in Women-Led Ventures: Levare Ventures, under the leadership of June Angelides, announced its commitment to invest between $25,000 and $100,000 in various sectors, reinforcing its mission to support female founders and minority entrepreneurs (source: TechPoint Africa).

• Combatting Bias in Venture Capital: Angelides has actively challenged unconscious biases within venture capital that hinder women-led startups. Her advocacy for a more inclusive investment approach aims to reshape fund allocation, ensuring that diverse entrepreneurial talent is recognized and supported effectively (source: TechPoint Africa).

• Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: Levare Ventures plans to collaborate with African universities, aspiring to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs by providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to help them navigate their entrepreneurial journeys, further solidifying its role as a leader in fostering female entrepreneurship.

📈 Market Impact

Levare Ventures stands at the forefront of the venture capital landscape by championing female founders and minority entrepreneurs, creating a distinct niche that sets it apart from traditional firms. Unlike many of its competitors, Levare Ventures actively addresses the significant funding gap faced by women-led startups, which currently receive only 2% of venture capital directed towards African startups with all-female founding teams (source: TechPoint Africa). By committing to invest between $25,000 and $100,000 in diverse sectors, Levare Ventures not only supports financial growth but ensures that these ventures contribute positively to the African economy.

One of the key features that gives Levare Ventures a competitive edge is its focus on combating unconscious biases in investment decisions. The firm’s founder, June Angelides, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rectifying these biases to foster inclusivity within venture capital. This strategic approach not only targets underrepresented entrepreneurs but also attracts investors who are increasingly prioritizing diversity in their funding strategies. Furthermore, Levare Ventures' dedication to personalized mentorship complements its funding efforts, helping female founders navigate the complexities of startup growth and fostering a supportive ecosystem.

The primary audience for Levare Ventures includes aspiring female entrepreneurs and investors looking to make impactful investments. By concentrating on startups that drive both innovation and social change, Levare Ventures builds a community that empowers women in tech and beyond. Its initiatives not only uplift the voices of founders but also have a broader economic impact, potentially reshaping industries traditionally dominated by men and inspiring a new wave of female-led ventures.

In essence, Levare Ventures embodies innovation in the venture capital sector, positioning itself uniquely to effect meaningful change and drive substantial economic growth through its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow Levare Ventures: Stay updated on the latest initiatives and support for female founders by following Levare Ventures on their social media platforms. Engaging with their content will help amplify their mission to close the funding gap for women-led startups, which currently receive only 2% of venture capital in Africa (source: TechPoint Africa).

• Share Inspiring Stories: Help spread the word about the incredible work being done by June Angelides and Levare Ventures. Sharing their journey and the achievements of women-led startups can inspire other aspiring female entrepreneurs and encourage more inclusive practices in the startup ecosystem.

• Support Female Founders: Consider investing in or supporting female-led ventures directly. By recognizing and backing these entrepreneurs, you contribute to a more diverse and innovative business landscape, driving social change and economic growth.

By taking these steps, you can play an integral role in fostering a community that champions and empowers female founders, driving meaningful progress in the startup world.