Community Newsletter #43
A window into the world of women in startups
Dear friends,
If you've been following my journey, you know by now that I have a lot to say 😅. On stage, on social, and in my writing, I've started conversations that have reverberated in ways I could never have imagined. I want to do more of that. Cut through the noise of AI-generated crap, and have real conversations. That’s why this year, I started a Substack—Blind Spots.
This G&W newsletter has evolved since I first started it in 2018—to be more of a resource and less a place where I communicate directly with you. I want to honor that you signed up for this newsletter because it's useful, not editorial. It's not going anywhere. But I also want to create a space for bigger conversations. I think we need it now more than ever. My Substack—Blindspots—is the antidote to groupthink in tech and VC. I’d be honored if you joined me.
Warmly,
Leslie
In today's newsletter:
Seattle Founder Day coming up on March 26th! Join us for a full day of learning, networking and inspiration!
Fireside Chat: Our next insightful investor forum with Jenny Fielding from Everything VC on March 12th
Our Latest Funding Report: See which startups recently raised capital
Portfolio Spotlight: Kate Doerksen, Co-Founder and CEO, Sage Social
G&W is hiring! Know someone amazing? Send them over!
Upcoming:
In Person: Seattle Founders, we are back with Founder Day!
Graham & Walker is thrilled to bring their most impactful program for women founders to Seattle! Founder Day is a day of high-impact, high-substance programming designed to help early-stage founders meaningfully move their businesses forward.
Select founders will be invited to participate in office hours, where they’ll meet 1-1 with an outstanding slate of mentors – investors, legal experts, and more.
Following Founder Day, you are invited to join us for a panel and reception to meet, mingle and connect with other founders.
Limited seats. Apply here.
Virtual: Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Jenny Fielding from Everywhere Ventures
Jenny Fielding is one of the most active pre-seed investors globally, having backed 300+ companies as the first check in. As the co-founder and Managing Partner of Everywhere Ventures, she has built a powerhouse community of 500+ founders and operators investing in the future of money, health, and work.
Before launching her own fund, Jenny spent 7.5 years at Techstars, where she helped shape a portfolio now valued at over $10B. She’s also a 2x founder, a trained lawyer, and an adjunct professor at Columbia University and Cornell Tech.
🔥 Don’t miss this deep dive into early-stage investing, founder communities, and what it takes to build in today’s market.
March 12th, 11a PT/ 2p ET 📍 RSVP here.
Funding Report
Hinge Bio, a privately-held biotechnology company, announced the closing of a $30M Series A’ financing led by Point72. Joining Point72 are Ridgeback Capital, InVivium Capital, and Lightswitch Capital, and others.
Hone Health, a leading telehealth clinic specializing in preventative and proactive longevity care, announced that it completed a $33M Series A funding round with participation by Tribe Capital, PIF, Republic Capital, Vibe VC, Humbition, Hanwha, Gaingels, Looking Glass Capital, FJ Labs, and Agent Capital.
Delfina Care Inc. (Delfina), a healthcare technology company solving the maternal health crisis with an AI-powered care system, announced the successful close of its $17M Series A funding round led by U.S. Venture Partners (USVP) including participation from new investors ARTIS Ventures, Mayo Clinic, and Tokio Marine Future Fund. Delfina’s existing investors also participated in the round, including Story Ventures, SemperVirens, Bread and Butter Ventures, Boutique Ventures, and Chelsea Clinton’s Metrodora Ventures.
(…Continue reading the Funding Report on the blog)
Portfolio Spotlight for the month: Kate Doerksen, Co-Founder and CEO, Sage Social
Read the whole article on the G&W Blog here.
This is an awesome update! Love seeing more spaces dedicated to real, meaningful conversations especially in a world flooded with surface level AI generated content.
Also the lineup for Seattle Founder Day looks solid. For early stage women founders, what’s the biggest gap you see right now in funding or mentorship?