Money isn’t a mystery anymore. The landscape of venture capital (VC) has changed drastically, and founders are increasingly aware of what investors are seeking. Entrepreneurs are securing funding in more places beyond Silicon Valley, and the rise of decentralized funding has provided opportunities for diverse and underrepresented founders worldwide. The 2024 Venture Capital Outlook continues to show a shift, with more capital flowing into regions previously overlooked, creating pathways for women, people of color, and founders in underrepresented ecosystems.
Despite the progress, disparities persist. According to McKinsey, many underrepresented founders still face bias, as investors favor «affinity» or familiarity in choosing whom to fund. However, the rise of firms like Ulu Ventures, which has one of the most diverse portfolios in Silicon Valley, shows that diverse founders are not only receiving funding but also outperforming expectations.
Voices from the Front Lines
- Preethi Kasireddy, a blockchain engineer and founder of TruStory, highlighted a key lesson: “VCs love to set up casual meetings… but as an entrepreneur, you don’t have time for that.” Her journey led her out of Silicon Valley to find a more supportive environment, showing that diversifying where founders seek funding can be a game-changer.
- Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, champions underrepresented founders and emphasizes persistence: “I see a few years into the future, and I walk towards that path. I can go through 99 noes and one yes and get back up.” Her work is transforming the VC landscape by channeling funds into neglected ecosystems.
- Michelle Kennedy, founder of Peanut, an app focused on motherhood, explains that finding the right investors goes beyond funding: “What successful founders get from their investors is not just money, but honest and well-reasoned advice from someone who cares about their ideas.” Kennedy’s app succeeded once she connected with investors who understood the potential of her market.
Key trends for 2024
The VC world is also recognizing the profitability of diversity. Firms like Starlight Ventures and Kapor Capital are proving that investing in minority-led startups doesn’t just close equity gaps; it also leads to top-quartile returns. Yet, as experts like Alan Chan warn, founders should focus on relationships: “Don’t talk about entrepreneurship because you just started… go to work, build your product, and go get the market.” His advice reminds entrepreneurs to focus on traction over media buzz.
