NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gayle Jennings O’Byrne and Pialy Aditya, co-founders of the WOCstar Fund, are pleased to announce a diverse group of accomplished female leaders investing in the fund. The WOCstar Fund is an early stage venture fund that is changing the trajectory for investors and entrepreneurs by focusing on tech innovation being brought to market by inclusive teams and women of color ("WOCstars") in the areas of media, consumption, and sustainability.
One of the successful female investors is Jacki Zehner, co-founder of Women Moving Millions and former Goldman Sachs partner. She said, “I strongly believe in the power of women investing in women. One of the main things we can do is support and encourage women to become investors. Join us in this very exciting fund!”
According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, businesses owned by women of color are responsible for generating $361 billion in revenue annually in the U.S.
In addition, 73% of women-led firms were founded in the last five years, which means they are ripe for new forms of capital and partners.
Other notable investors include: Nathalie Molina Niño, President O3; Valerie Mosley, CEO, Valmo Ventures; Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP, Chief Diversity Officer and President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation; Leanne Huebner, co-Founder and Board Co-Chair, Minds Matter National; Tilcia Toledo, Managing Director, FTI Consulting; and Jill Karp, Karp Foundation, who added, “It has been a joy to see Gayle build her idea at The Nantucket Project to now investing in great companies by women of color. She is driving the change we seek at TNP and I'm just thrilled to be invested in WOCstar Fund."
The WOCstar Fund is onboarding investors ranging from individuals and family offices to institutional investors. The diverse roster of investors also includes Motley Fool Ventures.
Of WOCstar’s strategy, Jennings-O’Byrne says, “We are builder capitalists at heart who love building alongside dynamic founders and our WOCstar family of investors, co-investors, global allies, public and private partners.” The Builder Capital philosophy is distinct because it transforms startups to scaled success, while aligning investor and founder goals so that everyone benefits.
The WOCstar Fund is establishing itself as a leader for investing in diverse and inclusive companies by women of color and diverse, inclusive teams.
For more information or photos, contact media@wocstar.com
