DFJ Invests in Women Entrepreneurs

Nov. 18, 2008

FOUR NVCA MEMBER FIRMS HONORED FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Astia Recognizes Draper Fisher Jurvetson, InterWest Partners, Prolog Ventures and Redpoint Ventures

November 18, 2008, Arlington, VA -  Four National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) member firms have been honored by Astia as part of their Fourth Annual National Awards for their outstanding support of women-led companies. 

The NVCA member firms being recognized for making the most investments in companies with a women CEO are:  Draper Fisher Jurvetson, InterWest Partners, Prolog Ventures and Red Point Ventures.  Allan Will, founding Managing Director of Split Rock Partners, will receive The Deloitte Leadership in Mentoring Award for his dedication and leadership of female CEOs in technology-based fields. 

"Venture capitalists play critical role in U.S. economic growth by providing entrepreneurs with capital and knowledge to help bring their innovations to market and make their businesses successful," said Mark Heesen, president of the NVCA.  "We congratulate the Astia honoree firms on the recognition of their commitment to diversity and supporting women entrepreneurs in their investment portfolios."

"Start-ups today must embrace diversity like never before," said Dan Broderick, managing director of Prolog Ventures and NVCA Board member.  "And venture capitalists must seek innovative ideas and gifted entrepreneurs wherever they can be found. We are pleased and honored to accept this award, which ultimately recognizes the talented women whose vision and drive are creating some of the most exciting companies operating in the United States today."

"We are proud to present this year's awards to such dedicated firms and individuals in the venture industry.  Like the VC community, Astia understands the value of mentoring.  These VCs are not only supporting entrepreneurs with capital, but also time and experience necessary to be successful," said Sharon Vosmek, CEO of Astia.

Astia is a San Francisco-based non-profit that provides programs that are designed to accelerate funding and growth of early-stage women-led businesses in life sciences, high technology and clean technology.  Since 2003, Astia has worked with over 100 women-led companies which have raised over $500 million.