Tampa summit trains women to become venture capitalists

In the heart of Tampa, Florida, a dynamic coalition of women is actively reshaping the traditionally male-dominated landscape of venture capital. Drawing participants from 34 cities across Florida, the summit is not just an educational initiative but a bold response to the stark imbalance in venture capital funding.

In 2022, companies founded solely by women garnered just 2% of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups in the US. A staggering 93% of venture dollars are currently controlled by white men, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for diversification. At the forefront of this transformative movement is Embarc Collective, whose Glaring Gap summit, now in its fourth iteration, recently kicked off with great enthusiasm.

Embarc Collective, a nonprofit organization nestled in downtown Tampa, has a laser focus on nurturing and supporting tech startups through an innovative combination of coaching and specialized programming. The Glaring Gap summit, hosted in collaboration with ReliaQuest for the second consecutive year, has emerged as a pivotal platform for empowering women interested in entering the realm of startup investing.

Within the Sunshine State, the presence of a mere 30 active women investors, as reported by Embarc, highlights the existing gender gap. However, the organization is not merely acknowledging this gap; it is actively working to bridge it. Since its inception in 2020, the Glaring Gap program has welcomed 41 women, identified as accredited investors based on income and net worth, into its fold.

These women, armed with newfound knowledge and skills, have collectively contributed an impressive $6.1 million in early-stage and angel investments. Their success stories not only underscore the efficacy of the program but also serve as beacons of inspiration for those looking to break into the venture capital arena.

The program’s inclusivity is a notable aspect, reaching out to a diverse audience. from college students aspiring to forge a career in venture capital to emerging professionals with a keen interest in equity crowdfunding.

The summit’s agenda includes a robust lineup of speakers, featuring seasoned investors such as Allison Baum Gates, Angela Lee, and Haley Bryant. Additionally, Julia Boorstin, acclaimed author of “When Women Lead,” brings her unique perspective to the dialogue, enriching the learning experience for participants.

One noteworthy success story emerging from the program is that of Meeka Etienne Crabb. A participant in 2020, she leveraged connections made during the summit to secure a coveted role as an investment professional at Permira, a British global investment firm managing an impressive €77 billion in committed capital.

In the words of Allie Felix, Embarc’s VP of Platform, the core mission of the program is clear: “We’re empowering women to invest in the innovations they want to witness in the world.” This sentiment is echoed by Allison Baum Gates, who emphasizes the imperative to step away from the male-dominated system. Gates advocates for the creation of an alternative, inclusive system designed to accommodate individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, underscoring the pivotal role of funding in ensuring the success of this paradigm shift.

As the Glaring Gap summit unfolds in Tampa, it not only marks a significant stride towards gender diversity in venture capital but also serves as a beacon of change in an industry ripe for transformation. The narratives of these women, their triumphs, and their commitment to reshaping the future of venture capital collectively paint a picture of a more inclusive and equitable landscape on the horizon.