The gender gap in venture capital-progress, problems, and perspectives

Financial capital is a critical resource for growing firms, yet women entrepreneurs received very small percent of the funding. This research updates earlier research by the Diana Project using a data base of all venture capital funded firms in the US. We compare funding in those firms led by men and women across stage, sector, state, region and outcomes. Results show women have made progress in attracting venture capital, although there is still a significant gender gap. A research framework and future research directions are proposed.