Forum Post

Smart Money is Embracing Gender Diversity

Why do women-led businesses receive less funding despite their strong financial performance?

Women-led businesses consistently deliver above-average returns, yet they receive only 2% of venture capital in Switzerland. This represents a massive missed opportunity, with an estimated $57 billion in untapped economic potential.

The data is clear:

• 19% Higher ROI: Gender-diverse teams deliver significantly better returns (BCG).
• Twice the Revenue Per Dollar: Women-led startups generate double the revenue per invested dollar (McKinsey).
• Underfunding Despite Performance: Female founders receive less than half the funding of male-led startups despite superior financial outcomes.

Investing in gender diversity isn’t just ethical—it’s smart economics. Forward-thinking investors are already shifting capital towards women-led businesses, recognizing diversity as a driver of profitability and risk management.

Discussion Questions:

How can we better educate decision-makers on the financial advantages of gender-diverse teams?

What role does unconscious bias play in investment decisions, and how can we challenge it?

What steps can policymakers and investors take to create a more inclusive investment ecosystem?