At Rockies Venture Club (RVC), we’ve always believed that a thriving startup ecosystem depends on diversity — not just of ideas, but of investors and founders as well. That belief led to the founding of the Women’s Investor Network (WIN) many years ago. WIN was created to address several inequities we saw in the market and to open the doors wider for women to participate as both investors and entrepreneurs.
1. Closing the Gap for Women Founders
The first challenge we set out to address was the disproportionately small percentage of venture capital that goes to women founders. Despite study after study showing that women-led companies often deliver stronger returns — growing larger and more efficiently with less capital — the flow of venture dollars has historically tilted heavily toward men. WIN was designed to change that dynamic by ensuring that women have both the capital and the community support needed to succeed. By bringing more women investors to the table, we also ensure that more women-led companies get the attention and funding they deserve.
2. Growing the Ranks of Women Investors
The second challenge was the underrepresentation of women on the investing side. Even though women control billions of dollars in family and personal wealth, they have historically been less engaged in early-stage investing. RVC made a long-term commitment to changing that by intentionally recruiting, training, and supporting women angels. We’re proud that our network has grown from just 11% women investors to over 18% today. Our goal is to reach at least 30% — a point where we can eliminate the “only woman in the room” experience that many female investors encounter. A more balanced investor community doesn’t just feel better; it leads to better decisions and better portfolios.
3. Making Angel Investing Accessible — and Fun
Angel and venture investing can be intimidating at first. There’s a lot to learn, from due diligence to deal structures, and it can be easy to feel like you need an MBA or a decade of experience to get started. At RVC, our goal with WIN was to make investing approachable, educational, and even fun. We started by hosting “angel next door” gatherings — casual meetings in the homes of current members — to create a welcoming, conversational environment. Our Demystified series helped unpack complex technologies like blockchain, AI, and quantum computing in plain language. And for those ready to go deeper, the Angel Accelerator program builds the knowledge and confidence to invest intelligently.
4. Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Venture
We’re thrilled to celebrate Women’s Day nine days early on November 10th with a WIN Signature Event, featuring pitches from outstanding women-led companies to an audience of investors — women and men alike — who share a commitment to advancing gender equity in venture capital.
Everyone is welcome to attend and be part of the movement. Together, we’re proving that when women invest, everyone wins.
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