The milestone represents one of the largest investment totals by any angel network this century and signals continued momentum around advancing gender parity in angel investing
New York, NY – Golden Seeds, the largest angel network that invests exclusively in women-led startups in the U.S., today announced it has invested $200 million in total investments across 279 women-led companies, which have now surpassed $2.5 billion in total funding raised. Based on available data, this is one of the largest investment totals ever by an angel network in the US – and represents the highest total invested by a single angel group in women-led startups. The milestone marks a defining moment in the organization’s mission to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs.
“Twenty-two years ago, our founders recognized that women entrepreneurs were a powerful force, not a niche in the startup space,” said Loretta McCarthy, co-CEO and Managing Partner at Golden Seeds. “While many overlooked them, we built a national network of angel investors to back their ambitions with capital and support needed to succeed. In doing so, we didn’t just fund companies; we helped redefine women-led businesses as a high-performing, investable asset class.”
Golden Seeds has invested in technology, health care and consumer businesses, spanning sectors such as artificial intelligence, imaging diagnostics, aerospace, blue tech, and more. Investor dollars have supported breakthroughs across industries, job creation, successful exits with strong investor returns up to 90X – and a measurable shift in who is funded and who has the opportunity to scale companies.
When Golden Seeds was founded in 2004, women-led companies were just 3% of funded startups. Today, a quarter of angel-funded startups are led by women and angels back women-run startups at roughly twice the rate reported for venture capital funds, according to the Angel Capital Association. The growth of women angels has likely played a significant role in increasing the share of funding. Today women represent over a third of all angel investors in the US, compared to a mere 5% when Golden Seeds launched.
“Transforming the venture industry requires more than belief. It requires action: writing checks, widening the investor base, and building new pathways for participation,” said Jo Ann Corkran, co-CEO and Managing Partner of Golden Seeds. “We have long held that women-led companies and women angels are essential to the future of innovation and economic growth. We remain committed to demonstrating that investing in women early is a smart investment strategy.”
Kristina Montague, Board Chair of the Angel Capital Association, added, “Today the market increasingly recognizes the potential of women-led companies, driven in large part by the leadership of Golden Seeds. This $200 million milestone is more than capital deployed – it’s proof of what happens when access expands.”
About Golden Seeds
Founded in 2004, Golden Seeds is one of the nation’s largest and most active angel networks – and the largest focused exclusively on early-stage, women-led companies. A leader in advancing gender diversity in investing, Golden Seeds also educates angel investors through its nationally recognized Knowledge Institute, which offers nine training courses. Today, it has nearly 300 active members across 28 states, Washington, D.C. and abroad, with chapters in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New York, and Silicon Valley/San Francisco. The organization also manages or administers seven funds and has invested $200 million in over 279 women-led companies. Learn more at www.goldenseeds.com and follow for updates on LinkedIn.