Community Spotlight: Deborah Rosati from Women Funding Women Inc.
Meet Deborah Rosati, one of three visionary women behind Women Funding Women Inc. (WFW), a groundbreaking initiative reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship for women in North America.
Founded in 2023 by Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, Deborah Rosati, and Lara Zink, WFW is not just a platform but a mission-driven community dedicated to bridging the funding gap that women entrepreneurs face. Unlike traditional funds, WFW operates as a collective, bringing together a supportive network of female founders, investors, and allies to create an ecosystem of empowerment and opportunity.
The Dawn of a New Era
At the heart of Women Funding Women Inc. is a story of resilience, collaboration, and the desire to make a tangible difference. The journey began when Deborah, an angel investor and venture capitalist with over two decades of experience, recognized a persistent challenge during her road trip with the founder and CEO of Profound Impact, Sherry Shannon-Vanstone. Despite being a successful serial entrepreneur, her colleague faced undue obstacles in securing angel investment.
This experience highlighted a stark reality: in 2023, women founders were still disproportionately challenged in accessing funding.
Fuelled by this realization, the founders convened a roundtable in May 2023, bringing together VCs, women entrepreneurs, and angel investors to tackle these issues head-on. The outcome was the birth of Women Funding Women Inc., supported by an advisory council of 26 influential women from various sectors, including venture capital, angel investment, and organizations like CBCA and M51.
Launching a Legacy
The inaugural launch event of WFW, held on February 7, 2024, and hosted by Osler, was a landmark occasion that marked a significant milestone in the collective's mission to empower women in entrepreneurship. This memorable gathering brought together 17 innovative founders who each took the stage for a dynamic 30-second pitch session, sharing their visions and ventures with a community eager to support and collaborate.
Complemented by speeches from successful entrepreneurs, the event was a vibrant celebration of diversity and innovation across various industries and stages of financing. It fostered a spirit of mutual support and connection among attendees, demonstrating the power of collective effort in overcoming barriers to funding and resources for women-led ventures.
Key partners, including CVCA, the Canadian Women's Network, AWS, and Osler, played a pivotal role in the event's success, showcasing their unwavering commitment to increasing access to vital resources and funding. Their involvement underscored the importance of collaboration and community in driving forward the mission of Women Funding Women Inc.
As the event concluded, it was clear that it had not only celebrated the achievements and potential of female entrepreneurs but had also set the stage for future collaboration and innovation.
The gathering of WFW left a lasting impact on all who participated, highlighting the collective's dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Vision and Impact
Women to Women Founding Inc. stands firm on three core objectives: increasing access to funding for women, empowering female entrepreneurs with resources and support, and fostering collaboration within the ecosystem.
By addressing the disparities in venture capital allocation and leadership, the collective aims to not only support individual founders but also to catalyze systemic change across borders, enhancing cross-border connections between Canadian female founders and US investors.
What’s New and Next
The collective is buzzing with excitement for their sold-out launch event—a testament to the community's eagerness for change. Looking ahead, plans are already underway for an event in Vancouver in the fall, alongside efforts to become a hub for resources and support.
The founders envision a future where more women step into the roles of founders and angel investors, challenging the status quo and opening new pathways for women-led ventures.
From Vision to Venture
From the trenches of Silicon Valley to the boardrooms of North America, Deborah Rosati shares a treasure trove of wisdom with a sincere desire to light the way forward.
Deborah urges, “embrace the courage to leap before you look too closely.” The pursuit of perfection can often be the very obstacle that stands between your vision and its realization.
"Launch and learn," she advocates.
With WFW, the goal was to bring the collective into existence and evolve with feedback, rather than waiting for perfection. Engaging with your audience early on can provide invaluable insights that no amount of planning can foresee.
To every woman embarking on or navigating the entrepreneurial path, Deborah Rosati's message is a beacon: Be fearless, stay driven, and remember, the journey to success is as much about the community you build as it is about the destination you reach.
Join the Movement
To learn more about Women to Women Founding Inc. and to stay updated on their events and initiatives, connect on LinkedIn. The Vancouver event in the fall is just the beginning, with plans to create a nationwide collective of female founders and funders. This is more than just a platform; it's a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By focusing on collaboration, empowerment, and access, they're paving the way for a new generation of women entrepreneurs ready to lead, innovate, and thrive. Join us in supporting this purpose-driven collective, and let's make history together.
