I recently embarked on my angel investing journey. So far, it’s been pretty exciting! One thing I noticed since my first meeting at Park City Angels is an increase in the number of women attending the gatherings. I’d like to say I’m a trendsetter, but sadly, I can’t claim this one! 

The credit for this trend goes to such pioneering figures as Geraldine Weiss, Muriel Siebert, and Esther Dyson, all incredible investors and trailblazers in finance. Their impact, along with recent leaders such as Jo Ann Corkran and Loretta McCarthy, founders of Golden Seeds, has paved the way for greater diversity in the investing world. 

Of course, not to be ignored are the contributions of celebrity personalities like Serena Williams, Jessica Alba, and Priyanka Chopra, who have lent their support to numerous start-ups. The list of extraordinary women is extensive and beyond impressive!

Historically, angel investing has been male-dominated, but the tide is shifting. According to the Center for Venture Research, in the early 2000s women accounted for less than 10% of the angel investment marketplace. In 2022 that number jumped to 39.5%! Also impressive is that in 2022, women-owned ventures accounted for 37.1% of companies seeking capital, up from 28.6% in 2021.

This surge in female investors can be attributed to several key factors: access to education, increased wealth, significant opportunities for entrepreneurship, and growing interest (not to mention grit and perseverance). 

It all makes sense.The world is evolving, and values are changing. These positive trends have created a favorable environment for women to plan their financial success and influence outcomes in the world.  Today, over a third of the wealth in the United States is held by women. Research by McKinsey Group reports this could increase to more than two-thirds by 2030.

Angel investing is a vehicle for wealth generation with a personal twist. Often, investors will not only support start-ups with an injection of capital, but they will also lend advice and engage in mentorship.  Women are driven intuitively by the opportunity to mentor and build relationships. It gives entrepreneurs the drive, confidence, and resources to achieve their goals. Not only that, but they are often inspired, empowered, and compelled by the example of women who have achieved goals through perseverance.

It’s no secret that the inherent biological makeup of women makes them think and move differently.  Decision-making is a science and an art when it comes to angel investing. Both objective analysis and subjective inquiry drive the ultimate recommendations. Thus, having women at the investment table means a broader range of perspectives and better-informed decisions.

Lastly, many women are motivated by cause. They think heavily about their family needs, their community needs, and the needs of the world at large. This thinking contributes to a more responsible investment landscape, as the focus is often on achieving a positive impact in areas of social, health, and environmental concerns. 

The involvement of women in angel investing has fostered the innovative and dynamic investing ecosystem we are witnessing today. Women are contributing heavily to economic growth and transforming the business world. As these movements continue, the world will reap the rewards of diversity and inclusion. 

Park City Angels has it right. The organization is a mix of men and women who span multiple generations and have an abundance of expertise and experience in numerous industries. Despite my newness as an investor, I have been welcomed into this dynamic group. Now, I am eager to continue learning and growing as an entrepreneur turned angel.

Anne Sinnott is a Park City resident.