Seattle's Graham & Walker wants to back your female-led startup with

A $15 million fund ready to empower the next wave of female entrepreneurs and reshape the tech landscape.

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter! We're excited to explore inspiring new funding opportunities that could elevate your startup journey. With an ever-evolving venture capital landscape, how can you tap into the resources designed to uplift and empower female founders? Join us as we delve deeper into the transformative initiatives that are making waves in the entrepreneurial ecosystem!

🚀 Hot Ventures Worth Following

Hey founders! New funds on the block:

• North American focus: Seattle's Graham & Walker is actively raising a $15M fund dedicated to supporting female-led startups. This venture firm previously closed a $10M inaugural fund and is now on the lookout for promising new investments. Read more.

• Eyes on India: Rohan Misra has introduced Gravity Holdings, a $150M fund specifically aimed at the booming tech industry in India, having already made its first investment in AI-enabled SaaS startup Darwinbox. This fund seeks to capitalize on the rapid growth of technology in the region. Learn about this opportunity.

• Global AI initiatives: UAE-based venture builder Disrupt.com is committing $100 million to fund AI-first technology ventures worldwide. The firm plans to focus on nurturing startups from pre-seed to Series A stages, fostering collaborative growth. Check out the details.

• Tackling financial advisory gaps: Edward Jones Ventures has launched in 2025 to deal with the anticipated shortfall of 50,000 financial advisors over the next decade, focusing on early-stage fintech and wealth management startups. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for founders in these sectors. Find out more.

• Empowering early-stage entrepreneurs: Soul Street Ventures has raised $22.5 million to back early-stage startups, prioritizing a hands-on approach and founder support. Their unique motto, 'Scale with Soul,' emphasizes meaningful partnerships. Discover their approach.

• Investing in India's digital economy: Prime Venture Partners has launched its fifth fund valued at $100 million, dedicated to early-stage startups in critical sectors such as fintech and AI. The firm is set to fully deploy this fund by late 2025, signaling growth in the digital economy. Read their insights.

• Expanding in Africa: Endeavor Catalyst plans to double its investments in African startups, particularly in fintech and SaaS, as the economic landscape in Nigeria continues to improve. This expansion indicates a growing interest in funding within the region. Learn more.

• Supporting local innovation: The Winnow Fund, led by Richelle Martin in Wisconsin, focuses on bridging the funding gap for startups from local colleges, particularly female-founded ventures. This initiative highlights the pressing need for a more diverse venture capital landscape. Dive into the story.

Take advantage of these exciting funding opportunities to scale your startup!

💡 Fundraising Tips for 2025

Ready to fundraise? Here's what you need to know:

• Female founders: With Graham & Walker actively supporting female-led startups through their $15 million fund, there’s a clear push for leveling the playing field in venture capital. This initiative not only provides much-needed financial backing but also emphasizes the importance of representation in the startup ecosystem. As a female entrepreneur, consider how such support can impact your journey. Read more.

• Leverage connections: In a world where collaboration often trumps competition, remember: your network is your net worth. Utilize connections for introductions to investors, mentorship opportunities, and strategic partnerships. Venture capital firms like Soul Street Ventures focus on building meaningful relationships with founders, providing both capital and operational support as they emphasize a hands-on approach. Discover their approach.

• Keep an eye on these sectors: The tech landscape is ever-evolving, but AI, fintech, and SaaS are garnering significant interest and funding. As seen with funds like Rohan Misra's Gravity Holdings, which raised $150 million specifically for tech ventures in India, focusing on these sectors could enhance your appeal to potential investors. Be sure to align your startup vision with these trends to attract funding. Learn about this opportunity.

• Are you prepared to seize the opportunity? With multiple ventures stepping up to support startups, such as Disrupt.com’s $100 million commitment to AI-first technology and Edward Jones Ventures' focus on fintech to address the advisor shortage, there's a wealth of funding opportunities arising. Ensure that your pitch, business model, and readiness to scale are in top shape. Find out more.

Take advantage of these insights and resources to enhance your fundraising strategies in 2025!

🗺️ Venture Capital Footprint

Where's the money? The world is buzzing with new funding opportunities for startups!

• Spotlight on the UAE: Disrupt.com has made a bold move by committing $100 million to support global AI-first technology ventures. This is a strategic initiative aimed at nurturing startups from pre-seed to Series A stages, embodying a collaborative venture-building approach. This investment signifies a strong interest in fostering innovation in the tech sector. Check out the details.

• Africa in focus: Endeavor Catalyst is set to double its investments in African startups over the next five to seven years, with a keen interest in fintech and software-as-a-service companies. This expansion reflects a growing confidence in the improving economic landscape, particularly in Nigeria, and highlights the increasing attractiveness of African markets for venture capital. Learn more.

• Eyes on India: Rohan Misra's Gravity Holdings has launched with an ambitious $150 million fund targeting the thriving tech ecosystem in India, already securing its first investment in the AI-enabled SaaS startup Darwinbox. This presents a significant opportunity for founders looking to tap into the booming tech space. Explore this opportunity.

• Empowering early-stage startups: On the home front, Prime Venture Partners has launched its fifth fund valued at $100 million, dedicated to early-stage startups, particularly in fintech and AI. This fund aims to deploy capital into 16-18 high-growth startups, signaling a robust commitment to nurturing innovative businesses in the digital economy. Read their insights.

Get ahead of the curve—check out the full insights on these transformative funding initiatives to propel your startup forward!