Investor debates continue over VC funding gaps for women and minorities
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Investor Sara Choi has found success investing in diverse founders, seeing it as an opportunity rather than charity. However, industry data shows persistent gaps in VC funding for women and minorities.
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Some argue mentorship and pattern recognition play a role in the funding gap, but data shows women leaders boost business performance. Female-founded VC deals hit a record high in 2022.
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VC Chris Cunningham says the focus should be on returns, not diversity, yet half of his portfolio companies have diverse founders.
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Founder-investor Kanjun Qiu sees progress in investor conversations but notes underrepresented founders can be dinged for not pitching big enough goals.
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Ultimately diverse founders argue holistic business opportunities and AI efficiencies should extend to all groups, not centralize gains with one demographic.