28 - Bridging the gender funding gap

Clara Probert and Pauline Li, co-founders of Madonna Capital, share their stories and how they came together to focus on bridging the gender funding gap.  Female founders receive between 1-2% of VC funds in the UK each year, slightly behind the US, leaving both markets with a long way to go.  Clara, Pauline and Lucas discuss how Madonna Capital helps prepare founders to be investor ready, post-transaction support in the form of fractional advisory and Madonna Capital's roadmap for 2023.  Madonna Capital is a growth partner to high-growth businesses with a commitment to fair female representation in the executive team. The team brings extensive in-house experience across finance, banking, debt financing, strategy, and operations to help women overcome obstacles in the venture ecosystem and make progress towards closing the gender funding gap.  Clara Probert is a managing partner at Madonna Capital and a former banker with extensive experience in corporate banking, venture debt funds, and business strategy.  Pauline Li is a Managing Partner at Madonna Capital, with over 16 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and fractional CFO. Pauline has advised and worked in various sectors such as financial services, luxury consumer, energy, and media across APAC, North America, and the UK.