Valuable. Validated. Vital.
Investing in critical technologies that have large market potential and are developed by diverse teams.
Two critical funding gaps represent untapped returns
1. Manufacturing startups are underfunded at the seed stage.
2. Women and minority founders are often undercapitalized and overlooked by venture capital.
The potential for outsized returns is increased because investors receive favorable deal terms, including pro-rata rights and exit preferences, when funding these vital technologies. They also dictate market trends and position themselves ahead of mainstream capital.
être leads seed stage funding rounds, unlocking capital waiting on the sidelines.
We invest in critical technologies in both hardware and software that have large market potential, often developed by overlooked founders.
Our hands-on approach helps founders validate their technology and business model. This increases the likelihood of raising their next round and advancing toward commercialization.
Meet our portfolio
Startups that are scaling to $100M+ in annual sales.
Tools for rapid drug discovery for metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.
Decarbonizing Earth: Replacement for wood and fossil fuel.
Unraveling America’s health care mess: Providers avoid the headaches of health insurance and patients can find, book & pay with price transparency.
Busy people don’t have time for laundry. Hampr connects them with stay-at-home-parents and retirees to do the wash.
Why invest with être?
“être is bringing about actionable change by providing capital, mentorship and strategic thinking to teams like Obatala Sciences. Their knowledge of the venture capital landscape from both the existing and historical perspectives, and their willingness to step up to lead are invaluable to traditionally under-invested founders.”
— Trivia Frazier, PhD, MBA | Co-Founder & CEO | Obatala Sciences
“At être's Women in VC class I learned how venture capital should accelerate innovation and not stifle it with onerous investment terms. être was the first to invest in Hexas and is prepared to lead our seed round if other VCs undervalue what we are building.”
— Wendy Owens | Founder & CEO | Hexas Biomass
The latest
Support in action
Venture capital has been a male-dominated field with only 2% of venture capital invested into female-founded companies. être is opening up this field. We're developing an inclusive ecosystem, education, and resources to supercharge the potential of talented founders, managers, and investors.
Venture Capital Ecosystem
We're building an ecosystem of diverse fund managers, limited partners, founders, talent, and service providers who will mutually gain from — and contribute back to — the community.
Open Access Venture Capital Education
We provide educational resources to increase the knowledge, imagination, and opportunity that was often stifled by the exclusivity that dominated VC.
Transparent Templates & Documents
We provide open access to the term sheets and closing documents être uses to close deals. Series A closing documents can cost $50,000+. We are demystifying the process to set up founders and fund managers for success.
Join our community as an investor, fund manager, founder, fractional talent or service provider.
Fund Managers
Limited Partners
Startups
Fractional Talent &
Service Providers
Upcoming events & classes
Intro to Venture Capital for Women
Monthly | First Wednesday of the Month
12-1:30pm | Free
Students learn about the venture capital ecosystem and how women can participate.
Taught by Hillary Talbot | Managing Partner
Venture Capital 101 for Women
February & October | Weekly | 4 Sessions
12-1:30pm | Free
This 4-week course covers Silicon Valley’s venture capital model and the role of collaboration in its success. 300+ graduates now invest, mentor + provide talent.
Taught by Jenny Kuan, Ph.D | Managing Partner & Tenured Professor
Venture Capital Investing 101 for Women
Monthly | Third Wednesday of the Month
12-1:30pm | Free
This course covers how to invest in a venture capital fund.