In 2023, female-led startups were awarded just 2.8 percent of venture capital funding. Due to unfair stereotypes and deep-rooted biases, the odds are against female founders, with 97 percent of those surveyed adamant that investors treat them in a fundamentally different way than they do men.
Pregnancy provides further complications, with many fearing that it may jeopardize their ability to secure investment. Having led Zing Coach through a successful Series A while dealing with the ups and downs of pregnancy, however, I know that with the right approach and preparation, it isn’t a hurdle too high to overcome.
5 VC Fears Pregnant Founders Must Address
- Reduced availability: With health and family the priority, investors will want to see a clear maternity plan that delegates responsibility during absences.
- Risk of burnout: Pregnancy takes its toll on physical and mental health. Resilience and an unwavering ability to handle stress will be high on the list of investors’ demands.
- Leadership continuity: Investors want to know their investment is in safe hands. Make clear your plans — whether you’re continuing in your role or taking a back seat. If it’s the latter, a well-executed succession plan is a must.
- Company culture: Alignment is paramount. If you plan to foster a flexible and family-friendly culture, be prepared to fight your case.
- Ingrained biases: The reality is that biases regarding female founders’ ability and commitment exist. Don’t be afraid to address concerns directly and let your successes — past ventures, revenue growth, and customer acquisitions — do the talking.
1. Honesty Is Always the Best Policy
A growing belly, morning sickness and intense cravings — as my business partners can testify — aren’t something you can easily hide, nor will hiding them do your chances of securing funds any good.
Trust is the foundation of any successful fundraising campaign. You’re asking investors to put up the capital to see you through its early stages, and they will expect openness and honesty in return.
I disclosed my pregnancy to potential investors in the 10th week, which had no bearing on Zing’s ability to secure funding. In fact, we completed the round in just six months.
Venture capitalists have enough experience to understand that trials always arise — whether burnout, pregnancy or development delays. In fact, acknowledging such challenges early shows desirable traits that VCs look for in a leader: integrity, foresightedness, adaptability and confidence in your ability to overcome any obstacle.
2. Treat It Like Any Challenge and Keep Pushing
Should a pregnant founder consider delaying their fundraising plans until the situation settles? Never. The life of a startup is rarely smooth sailing, so maintain your pace and keep pushing through the barriers.
Nobody signs up for entrepreneurship because it’s easy — 85 percent of surveyed founders have experienced high stress in the past year. Pregnancy is another challenge to add to those you’ve already worked through and those that will undoubtedly follow.
Your mindset is a crucial tool for overcoming such challenges. Positivity attracts positivity. Throughout the fundraising process, I maintained my sense of humor and approached each hurdle with passion, dedication and grace. If you show VCs that it’s business as usual, they’ll have little reason to be concerned.
3. Plan Thoroughly and Early
Fundraising while pregnant is by no means impossible; it just requires founders to go the extra mile to convince investors that their personal life won’t impact the startup’s trajectory. Adapting the business flow takes time, so the sooner you acknowledge the challenge, the sooner you can begin planning the best course of action.
With 62 percent of female founders experiencing some form of bias during the fundraising process, pregnancy is likely to play a part in the decision-making process for many of the investors you speak to. Even at the most stable of times, however, fundraising is a numbers game. If they make unfair assumptions based on gender, they’re not right for you and your business, so keep searching.
4. Lean on Your Support Network—Both In and Out of Work
You’re committed to your business and confident that you can continue to lead prepartum and postpartum, but there will be times when work comes second. Although many investors will show they understand this, they’ll want evidence that your wider leadership team has the skills and experience to fill the void while you’re away.
VCs won’t just be interested in your organizational support in the workplace, however. With more than 75 percent of women suffering from stress during pregnancy and 53 percent of startup founders admitting they have experienced burnout, there’s a heightened risk that will inevitably give investors pause.
A support network outside of work and a concrete plan, detailing your planned schedule, childcare arrangements, and critical commitments, will go a long way toward easing any fears and give you confidence that you can handle the roles of founder and mother simultaneously.
5. Put Your Health First and Fundraising Second
Because it entails working excessive hours and navigating a high-stress environment, being a startup founder often doesn’t facilitate the healthiest lifestyle. You no longer have just your health to think about, though.
To stay energized and motivated, fitness, nutrition and personal care are extremely important. That applies not just to pregnancy but to any hardships you might face while raising funds and building your business.
As time-constrained founders, we’re fortunate to have technology to assist us. Having access to a fitness app that recognized my work commitments and the changes in my body and adapted my routine to find a balance between good health and ample rest was vital. Founders often underestimate the impact poor physical and mental health can have on their productivity, happiness, and motivation — all critical to a successful venture.
But if the pitfalls of pregnancy are impacting your performance? Be open, plan meetings around your energy levels, and put your health first. Even the most committed founders need a break every now and then.
