Valuable. Validated. Vital.
We invest in critical "hard" technologies by founders overlooked by traditional venture capital.
Two Critical Funding Gaps Represent Untapped Returns
Many breakthrough “hard” technologies struggle to secure early-stage funding despite their potential to transform an entire industry.
Women and minority founders who develop critical technologies are often overlooked by traditional VCs.
We Invest in Breakthrough Technologies that Solve
Big Societal Challenges by Meeting Large Market Demand
We’re often the first check in, unlocking capital waiting on the sidelines.
We de-risk our portfolio with hands-on founder support and follow-on funding.
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.
Upcoming Events & Class
Venture Capital 101 for Women Begins in February 2025.
être managing partner Jennifer Kuan, Ph.D. teaches Venture Capital 101 for Women twice a year in fall and winter to explain how venture capital works.
Who should take this class?
- Women who are curious about venture capital
- New fund managers, limited partners, entrepreneurs, fractional talent and service providers
- Seasoned industry veterans who want to learn more about the history of venture capital and how collaboration led to its success
Fund Managers
Limited Partners
Startups
