Who We Are: One of the most active investors in women-led, B2B and SaaS companies in the world

“We are committed to driving a diverse and equitable startup landscape —one where women are building big profitable businesses and launching products that they see the world needs. The data shows that, on average, women led companies are more innovative and perform better. Our success in the numbers proves that.” 
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- Eve Burton, HearstLab Chairwoman & Hearst EVP and Chief Legal Officer

Less than 2% of all venture capital funding goes to women-led companies.

As one of the most active investors in women-led, B2B and SaaS companies in the world, HearstLab is on a mission to close this gap by helping female founders build highly scalable, sustainable and profitable businesses.

Since its inception nearly 7 years ago, HearstLab has invested in over 60 exclusively women-led companies that today have a collective valuation of nearly $2.5 billion. Our standard investment model includes cash investments (up to $1M) and services to early-stage, women-led startups that meet the following criteria:

• Women-led (defined as female founder/CEO is the decision maker)
• Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A
• Working MVP or initial product and early market validation
• Key industries: enterprise technology, data/analytics, fintech, healthcare, transportation, future of work, marketplaces, real estate tech and media
• B2B and B2B2C tech-enabled business model
• Affinity with one or more of Hearst’s businesses
• Operations primarily based in the US, Europe or Japan

The HearstLab model is unique.

Unlike traditional cohort- or program-based accelerators, founders can apply year-round for funding. Companies are vetted by not only the HearstLab Venture Associate and executive team but also the Hearst Scout Network. This network is composed of over 160 women executives from across Hearst businesses who volunteer their expertise, talent, and time to provide founders with tactical feedback and operational support. 

HearstLab hosts “Pitch HearstLab'': live, in-person, and virtual pitch events around the world where winners can walk away with a $100K investment. The events are focused on reaching and ultimately investing early in young, promising companies. The events also engage mission-aligned local businesses and help to increase awareness of HearstLab by integrating national and regional media partners.

Beyond capital, HearstLab startups are given access to Hearst’s 360+ businesses across the media, enterprise technology, fintech, data analytics, healthcare, and transportation sectors and the entire HearstLab team. Our team provides support services across business development, engineering, financial analysis, product development, privacy and security audits, legal services, marketing, UX/UI and more. Portfolio companies also get access to office space at the coveted Hearst Tower headquarters in New York City to work alongside the HearstLab team. Together, we are one community of trusted partners, critical thinkers, and exceptional doers.

The results speak for themselves.

Portfolio companies who received their earliest investment and support services from HearstLab soar. In August 2023 alone, five HearstLab portfolio companies made major industry headlines: 

Looking ahead, we are continuing to scale our investment efforts and amplify HearstLab’s reach to support women entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. Beyond Pitch HearstLab in San Antonio, TX, our upcoming events are slated for Madrid, NYC, and more in 2024.

Stay up-to-date on upcoming events and learn more about HearstLab’s portfolio by visiting our website. Want to get in touch? Please email us at HearstLabPress@hearst.com. 

We look forward to changing the world with you.
-The HearstLab Team