The prevailing wisdom among many startup founders often dictates that the intricate work of fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) can be postponed until a company reaches a significant size, perhaps 50 or even 300 employees. This deferential approach, however, is increasingly being recognized by industry experts and strategic consultants as a critical misstep, […]
Since its inception in 2016 by co-founders Suzanne Norris and its team, Victress Capital has consistently identified "courage" as a distinctive and paramount trait among the successful founders within its diverse portfolio of consumer startups. This observation stems from five years of privileged engagement with often underrepresented leaders, whose journeys illuminate a unique path to […]
A groundbreaking new book, "Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways to Build a More Inclusive World," co-authored by diversity and inclusion expert Jennifer Brown and trend curator Rohit Bhargava, challenges conventional approaches to fostering inclusivity by advocating for a deeper exploration of shared human experiences alongside individual differences. The publication posits that current global conversations about […]
In an increasingly complex global landscape, the assertion of individual conviction, particularly from women, is emerging as a critical force challenging conventional competitive paradigms. This growing trend underscores the importance of trusting one’s inner judgment and advocating for broader collective good, often in direct opposition to systems that prioritize short-term gains and individualistic "wins." From […]
Drawing on decades of collective experience in the professional realm, seasoned business leaders and entrepreneurial founders consistently identify a set of common pitfalls that can derail even the most promising ventures. These critical errors, often overlooked in the pursuit of growth or day-to-day operations, underscore fundamental principles of organizational management, financial acumen, and human capital […]
The venture capital (VC) industry is grappling with a stark disparity: only 1% of venture capital funding is allocated to Black founders. This persistent gap, often termed the "1% problem," sparked a significant controversy over the recent holidays following a series of tweets by prominent venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale of 8VC. Lonsdale’s comments, which were […]
The pursuit of authenticity, particularly in the aftermath of significant life transitions, represents a profound societal shift, challenging long-held ideals of perfection and fostering a greater emphasis on genuine self-expression and empathy. This evolution underscores a growing recognition that personal crises can serve as catalysts for deep introspection, leading individuals to redefine their identities and […]
Startup founders frequently postpone serious engagement with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives until their organizations have scaled significantly, often reaching 50 or even 300 employees. This deferral, while seemingly pragmatic in resource-constrained environments, carries substantial risks that are often underestimated, drawing a direct parallel to the perilous decision of delaying legal counsel until […]
Since its founding in 2016 by Monica Dodi and Suzanne Norris, Victress Capital has cultivated a distinctive investment philosophy centered on identifying and nurturing consumer startups led by diverse founders. Over the past five years, the firm has garnered unique insights into the factors underpinning the success of these often-underrepresented leaders, pinpointing "courage" as a […]
In a significant contribution to the evolving discourse on diversity and inclusion, Jennifer Brown and Rohit Bhargava have co-authored "Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways to Build a More Inclusive World." This seminal work challenges conventional approaches to fostering belonging by advocating for a greater emphasis on shared human experiences and the nuanced understanding of intersectional […]
