Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Meet the New Seed Founders

Introducing the New Seed Founder Cohort

World Business Chicago's Gender Equity Office has proudly launched its third cohort of the Seed Founder Program, featuring nine remarkable women entrepreneurs who are transforming their industries. This initiative is vital in fostering gender equity within the city's entrepreneurial ecosystem, equipping founders with necessary resources and support to ensure their success.

Record Growth in Venture Capital for Diverse Founders

Recent reports indicate that Chicago has taken significant strides in supporting underrepresented founders. Among U.S. metro areas, Chicago stands out with the highest percentage of venture-backed companies that include at least one woman founder at 36.5%. The report also reveals that the city ranks second in terms of companies founded by people of color and third for funding raised by women-founded companies, indicating an upward trajectory in investment opportunities.

Highlighting the 2024-2025 Seed Founder Cohorts

The Seed Founder Program has meticulously selected an inspiring group of founders, including:

Perteet Spencer, Founder of Ayo Foods
Ayo Foods is committed to popularizing West African cuisine, offering a range of nutritious meals that celebrate cultural diversity.

Lily Wang, Founder of Demi
Demi introduces the first smart composting system tailored for multifamily use, turning waste management into a lucrative venture.

Mariana Padilla, Founder of Hackerverse
Hackerverse streamlines the Proof of Concept process for B2B cybersecurity firms, enhancing their operational efficiency.

Ashley Pradhan & Cierra Valor, Founders of IN BOLD PRINT
IN BOLD PRINT acts as a streamlined platform for Carbon Accounting, making a complex task easy for users.

Colette Ellis, Founder of Libbie Health
Libbie Health addresses the urgent demand for accessible, culturally-sensitive mental healthcare services.

Jill Miller, Founder of Lunum
Lunum focuses on leveraging data to drive positive investment returns in both social impact and community engagement.

Prarthana Gupta, Founder of OrdrSmart
OrdrSmart digitizes the manufacturing process by providing innovative solutions to conventional product sampling methods.

Laura Epstein, Founder of Pulse Charter Connect
Pulse Charter Connect enhances logistical systems for transplant centers, ensuring safer transportation for vital organs.

Shima Rayej, Founder of Safe Rate
Safe Rate is revolutionizing the mortgage marketplace by offering a user-friendly platform to quickly find competitive loan rates.

Impact and Community Support

Since its inception in Spring 2022, the Seed Founder Program has supported numerous founders through tailored mentorship and networking opportunities. Previous cohorts have effectively demonstrated their worth, with over 78% of participants citing valuable connections bolstering their business endeavors.

Building Stronger Networks

The power of collaboration is central to the program's philosophy. Many founders emphasize the importance of peer connections, highlighting how relationships built through this program offer both support and empowerment. One founder remarked on the invaluable experience of connecting with fellow women entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of mutual support in overcoming shared challenges.

Commitment to Sustainable Communities

The Gender Equity Office at World Business Chicago emerged from the GET Cities initiative, which sought to elevate the voices of historically marginalized groups in technology. With GET Cities concluding its effort, the office continues to advocate for resilience and community building within the tech landscape.

Elle Ramel, Lead of the Gender Equity Office, expressed her enthusiasm for welcoming these founders, stating, "Their creativity and leadership are crucial for driving essential changes, and we are committed to facilitating access to the resources necessary for their growth."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seed Founder Program?

The Seed Founder Program supports women entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and essential resources needed to succeed in their ventures.

How does the program impact underrepresented founders?

It fosters connections, enhances funding opportunities, and helps overcome systemic barriers within the business ecosystem.

Who are some notable founders in the latest cohort?

This cohort features founders such as Perteet Spencer of Ayo Foods, Lily Wang of Demi, and many more innovative entrepreneurs.

What metrics indicate the program's success?

Over 78% of previous participants reported connections that positively impacted their business trajectories, highlighting the program's effectiveness.

What future goals does the program aim to accomplish?

The aim is to continue supporting diverse founders and promoting sustainable practices within the entrepreneurial landscape of Chicago.

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