SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS
OUR MISSION
The mission of Stella Foundation is to inspire, equip, and propel diverse female founders to successfully launch, grow, and sustain their businesses while cultivating a thriving network of investors to increase equality for women-led startups.
OUR HER-STORY
Stella Foundation was founded by Dr. Silvia Armitano Mah, PhD, MBA in 2012 with the vision of equal representation of female founders and funders across the venture table. What originated as an in-depth lab pertinent to female entrepreneurs has since evolved into a highimpact social enterprise that has powered over 10,000 female founders to raise more than $250+ million.
2% VC capital goes to women-led startups*
UNMET NEED & PEOPLE SERVED
Although women make up 50% of the population, just 2% of venture capital goes to women-led startups. It’s no surprise, as representation is astoundingly limited ‘at the top.’ In fact, the percentage of female decision-makers at U.S. venture capital firms is now 14.2%. Among them, only 6% are Asian, 1% are Black, and less than 1% are Latinx. Investors fund people who look like them, so we need to get more women and minority founders a seat at the venture table.
As a result, funds will become more diverse, and more womenled companies will be recognized for their proven track record of performance and ROI – and funded.
14.2% VC decision makers are female*
COMMUNITY
THE CONSTELLATION
Stella connects women founders and investors to the right resource – at the right time – in their journeys.
From ideation to funding to exit, women founders and investors look to Stella for its powerful constellation of support, which is made up of an inclusive community, curriculum, access to capital events, an annual summit, advisory services, and funding opportunities.
COURSES
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
J A N M A R A P R J U N
Stella Foundation’s budget is approximately $850K with $700K being allocated to direct programmatic expenses.
ANNUAL BUDGET SPONSORSHIP
The conSTELLAtion thrives with the support of our sponsors. Become a partner with Stella and begin investing in women ’ s futures today. Your sponsorship will be recognized for authentically supporting women in business and creating a monumental impact for generations to come.
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence program is designed to accelerate new venture creation by leveraging their entrepreneurial expertise to help identify and capitalize on business opportunities, navigate challenges, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the Stella program portfolio.
Our AIR program leverages the expertise of experienced venture capitalists who partner with our organization to assess and analyze investment opportunities within our ecosystem They work closely with our early-stage startups, providing mentorship, strategic guidance, and expertise in fundraising and business development to identify promising investment prospects, evaluate market trends, and contribute to the overall success of the startups within the program
Stella Labs is a 4-month, intensive program designed to launch and accelerate women-led businesses across the United States. Participants gain access to high-potential opportunities, resources, people, and programs that help support the launch of their business idea from back-of-theenvelope to Minimum Viable Product. Our program also helps existing businesses scale to the next level by leveraging the participants' current business structure, capital opportunities, network, and market potential
Stella Angels invests in women-owned, early-stage startup founders to grow the women’s economy. Fuel our long-term mission of opening doors to capital for female led companies across all sectors
Membership allows an emerging Angel access to our curated list of Angels and resources.
Social Sharing Kit
Swipe copy
"Activator" Badge for Digital Sharing
Speaking opportunity at EIR Graduation
Lower-tier website sponsor placement
Printed copy of Impact Report
Social Sharing Kit
Swipe copy
"Activator" Badge for Digital Sharing
Speaking opportunity at VCIR Graduation
Lower tier website placement
Printed Copy of Impact Report
Social Sharing Kit
Swipe copy
"Activator" Badge for Digital Sharing
Invite to Demo Day
(1) Demo Day Judging slot (FCFS)
Printed Copy of Impact Report
Social Sharing Kit
Swipe copy
"Activator" Badge for Digital Sharing
OXYTOCIN TOUR Brunch
$10K+
Depending on size and budget of event
OXYTOCIN TOUR
Networking Event
15K+
Depending on size and budget of event
Our Oxytocin Tour is a tour across America to connect with founders and investors who are passionate about our mission to inspire, equip, and propel diverse female founders to successfully launch, grow, and sustain their businesses Host one private invite only brunch or similar event for demographic of choice up to 30 individuals
Our Oxytocin Tour is a tour across America to connect with founders and investors who are passionate about our mission to inspire, equip, and propel diverse female founders to successfully launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. Host one private invite only dinner, networking event or similar event for demographic of choice up to 30 individuals
STELLA ANGELS SHOWCASE
$20K FOR (4)
Stella Angels hosts the quarterly Stella Angels Showcase where 8 outstanding female-led companies are showcased in front of a group of 30-50 Stella Angel members Angels members get access to a curated group of founders within the Stella thesis to create greater access to capital for women.
STELLA LABS DEMO
DAY
$20K FOR (2)
After months of education and refinement, Demo Day is the culminating event for our Stella Labs cohort participants to come together to showcase their businesses post-intensive in front of 100+ attendees at a pitch event
Contact us to explore custom sponsorship possibilities. Let's work together to accomplish the same mission! Contact Flossie Hall at flossie@stella.co.
“Presented By” naming rights
Inclusion on all digital and printed materials
(1) Email blasts
(3) exclusive social blasts
(1) speaking opp at your local Event
Attendee guest list
“Presented By” naming rights
Inclusion on all digital and printed materials
(1) Email blasts
(3) exclusive social blasts
(1) speaking opp at your local Event
Attendee guest list
“Presented By” naming rights
Inclusion on all digital and printed materials
(1) 30-sec promo video at the beginning of event
(2) Email blasts
(2) Exclusive social blasts
(2) WVS VIP tickets
(1) speaking opp at Opening of Event (3-5min)
Attendee guest list
“Presented By” naming rights
Inclusion on all digital and printed materials
(1) 30-sec promo video in the beginning of event
(2) Email blasts
(2) Exclusive social blasts
(2) WVS VIP tickets
(1) speaking opp at Opening of Event (3-5min)
Attendee guest list
E V E N T F U N D I N G
WOMEN‘S FAST PITCH
Presented by Naming Rights
Press Release Inclusion
ABOUT SECTION
Sponsor the entire event, including 6 (virtual) regional events, the in-person Finals at Women’s Venture Summit, and the final event prize.
Contribute to the Grant Prize Package for the overall winner of Women’s Fast Pitch to be awarded in a pooled grant and prize package.
Sponsor the six (6) semi-finalists who win each region. This package covers their travel expenses and WVS ticket costs to participate in the WFP Finals.
Sponsor one (1) regional semi-final (virtual) event.
WHAT IS IT?
Offer up your expertise to our expansive audience by hosting a Masterclass with our ConSTELLAtion! Our community is the perfect audience to share your knowledge with a global audience reach Take the lead in education and empowerment by partnering with us for a Masterclass.
Maximize your content's reach and impact by securing premium space on our dynamic platform! Elevate your brand visibility, capture the audience's attention, and drive engagement with strategic placement. With prime real estate on our platform, your content becomes the spotlight, ensuring it stands out amidst the digital noise.
Gain valuable insights, enhance decisionmaking, and supercharge your company strategies with our comprehensive participant data sets. Survey Stella’s 10K members to learn how to better serve female founders and funders.
“Presented By” naming rights
Inclusion on all digital materials
(1-2) Speakers on approved topic of choice
(1) 30-sec promo video in the beginning of event
(2) Email blasts
(2) Exclusive social blasts
(1) speaking opp at Opening of Event (3-5min)
Attendee guest list
Listed on the website as Masterclass Sponsor
“Presented By” naming rights
Inclusion on all digital materials
Logo, blurb and discount located on Stella platform
(2) Email blasts
(2) Exclusive social blasts
Listed on Website as Resource Partner
Looking to promote your brand, content service or upcoming event? Collaborate with Stellas world class marketing team, and let us help promote you. Stella has over 1M impressions annually and an email list of 10K.
(1) Digital survey of up to 10 pre-approved questions to Stellas mailing list of 10K
(2) Email blasts
(2) Exclusive social blasts
Listed on Lower Tier Website
Printed copy of Impact Report
Cross promotional marketing campaign of choice
Logo, blurb and discount located on Stella platform
(2) Exclusive Email blasts
(2) Exclusive social blasts
(1) Social Media live on platform of choice
(LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook)
Listed on Website as Partner
P R O G R A M M I N G F U N D I N G
PROGRAM IMPACT
Stella achieved the following between 2012-2024
WFP & WVS attendees 7350 Female founders served 10K+ New jobs created 1K+
Female angel investors 50
Underserved founders (BIPOC, LGBTQ, veteran) 55%
New female investors trained and activated 76
Mentors 500+
Industry experts 300+
Media highlights for alumnae 200+
250M+ $ Raised by connecting female founders to angel investors and VCs
THE COMMUNITY
Stella’s community is made up of over 10K+ people who believe in equality for female founders. The digital community is free of charge and provides access to pre-recorded video courses, master classes, one-on-one advisory sessions, group sessions, mentorship matching, and features on Stella’s media.
LABS
Stella Labs’ 16-week virtual program supports the launch of a business idea from back-of-the-envelope to Minimal Viable Product (MVP) through actionable curriculum and functional mentorship from a large group of leaders, instructors, mentors, and experts. Our program is an equityfree program that helps existing businesses scale to the next level by leveraging the participant’s current business structure, capital opportunities, business development network, and market potential. The Stella Labs program is an industry-agnostic program that is equity-free.
Participants will complete weekly modules, attend cohort accountability calls, regularly engage with fellow participants, the Stella team, instructors, mentors, experts, and the community at large. Participants will also have access to weekly office and advisory hours with the instructors, the Stella team, startup strategy mentors and a group of functional mentors.
LABS
Acceptance Process
Bi-annual open application period (3-4 weeks) 1.
2 week application review by Stella Executive team 2. Prospective candidate face-to-face interviews with the Stella Executive Team 3. 30 minute, Zoom interviews are conducted to vet program compatibility on both sides a. Stella Executive Team offers slots to 10-15 candidates 4. Based upon interview, as well as factors such as compatibility, company stage, and program fit (minimum cohort size of 10) a.
In 2021, Stella Angels invested in 14 female-led startups, syndicating $1.3M+ via direct investments as well as indirectly via syndications and crowdfunding.
ACCELERATOR COST
Program fee of $2997 to participate in the Stella Labs Cohort Scholarships are available to those who qualify based upon financial need
ANGELS
The Stella Angels Program connects actively raising female-led companies with a curated network of Angel Investors actively deploying capital on a quarterly basis.
In 2021, Stella Angels invested in 14 femaleled startups, syndicating over $1.3M via direct investments and indirectly via syndications and crowdfunding. Our minimum check size is $50K and goes up from there depending on investor interest. Since we are not a fund, all of our angels choose to participate on a deal-by-deal basis.
Every quarter,10-12 female-led start-ups are selected to pitch in front of a group of 30 to 50 Angel Investors. Founders will pitch for 5-minutes and follow-up with a moderated Q&A session.
ANGELS
Founders will engage with the Stella executive team prior to the live event to make them investor ready. This includes pitch practice sessions, access to free pitching courses offered hrough the Stella Community, and direct 1:1 feedback from xperienced investors and industry experts.
Applications are open to all early-stage female-led ompanies (pre-seed & seed). We highly encourage pplicants to explore the Stella Community resources before pplying to get the full experience of what Stella has to offer.
Stella’s Executive team personally reviews each application to choose appropriate candidates for an interview. Upon completion of the interview, candidates are selected and notified.
Stella Angels commitment is a 6-month commitment annually from January – December (Initial cohort for 2024 will run from June 1st -December 1st, 2024).
RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
Angel in Residence
In support of Stella’s community of female investors, the Angel-in-Residence (AIR) will be immersed in the world of venture capital and intimately involved in the Stella Angels program (and our female angel network). Currently, this is for all deals being evaluated by Stella Angels, and our female angel network.
ANGEL-IN-RESIDENCE (AIR)
The AIR will get first-hand experience with both in-person and virtual pitching events, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs), and working with angel investors
The AIR will support Stella’s efforts to ensure proper analysis for all companies in the due diligence process
The AIR will support Stella’s Access to Capital Events, such as Women’s Fast Pitch and Women’s Venture Summit, in assuring the Stella investor thesis is represented
The AIR will work cooperatively with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer to bring a culture of innovation to Stella broadly through intentional programming and engagement practices
RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
Entrepreneur in Residence
In support of Stella’s community of female founders and women-le businesses, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) will support Stella efforts to encourage innovation and support early stage founders.
The EIR will serve as a coach and mentor in key business activities related to formation, marketing, business development, fundraising and support the overall community. The ability to consult with an array of concepts from a variety of fields is expected. With years of industry experience, EIRs are available to help define the market case, build business models, advise on fundraising, and solve other common challenges.
The EIR will work cooperatively with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer to bring a culture of innovation to Stella broadly through intentional programming and engagement practices.
OXYTOCIN TOUR + WOMEN'S FAST PITCH + WOMEN'S VENTURE SUMMIT
OXYT T U R CIN
Our journey across America continues as we reconnect with friends old and new. We’re thrilled to engage with founders and investors who share our passion for inspiring, equipping, and propelling diverse female founders to successfully launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. Over the years, we have cultivated a thriving network of investors dedicated to increasing equality for women-led startups. Our enduring vision remains steadfast: equal representation of female founders and funders across the venture table.
TOUR STOPS:
Rochester, NY
Los Angeles, CA
New York City, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Minnesota (pending)
Conneticut (pending)
powerful hormone that creates bonding among gritty women, deepens relationships, and boosts inclusivity
A series of five, regional access-to-capital virtual events taking place across America.
Finalists advance to compete at the Women’s Venture Summit for $10K investment plus over $50K in grants and in kind services.
Women’s Fast Pitch targets 200+ applicants to fill 25 spots (five pitching founders in each of the five regions). This live-streamed event takes place in June and features 20 investor judges who are invited to ask questions and provide commentary for each pitch. As a free event, WFP has become one of Stella's favorite virtual events as attendees enjoy the opportunity to engage with Audience Choice voting.
KIMBERLY EVANS JUST HER RIDESHARE
HALEY MARIE KEITH MITO MATERIALS
JANICE WILLAIMS OLIVER MISTEE WANTS TO KNOW
LAUREN FANG MEDASSENT
JOANNA SHU FREEZENIT
HEATHER LAWVER CEEMO
Our signature annual event in its eleventh year will take place September 25-27th, 2024 in San Diego. The goals of the conference are to boost female founders' access to capital and to grow the number of female investors who invest in female-led startups. To date, more than 7K founders and investors have gathered from across the globe to attend WVS. As the #1 trending topic for Twitter San Diego, WVS has facilitated raising $200M+ for female founders.
The three-day summit includes founder- and investor-focused tracks, keynotes, panels, workshops, Ecosystem Showcase, WFP Finals pitch competition, interactive due diligence, and networking opportunities.
2024 Keynote Speaker, Sallie Krawcheck
Sallie Krawcheck - Ellevest
Elizabeth Gore - Hello Alice
Lolita Taub - Ganas Ventures
Bailey DeVries- SBA
Arian Simone - Fearless Fund
Jasmine Crowe - Goodr
Allison Robinson - The Mom Project
Vickie Saunders - SheEO
Arlan Hamilton - Backstage Capital
Trish Costello - Portfolia
Jesse Draper - Halogen Ventures
LEADERSHIP TEAM
FUNDERS
STELLA HIGHLIGHTS
GERI STENGEL
Ventureneer leader and Forbes contributor wrote a featured piece in Forbes about the 11th Annual Women’s Venture Summit Closing Keynote with Arian Simone and Elizabeth Gore.
“Two organizations dedicated to empowering marginalized entrepreneurs, Fearless Fund and Hello Alice, were sued by activists over their grant programs. Fearless Fund invests in under-resourced entrepreneurs, including businesses led by women of color seeking earlystage venture capital. Hello Alice provides equitable access to capital, offering grants, loans, and credit products.”
-Article, Forbes 2024
LAUREN FANG
Lauren Fang is the Co-founder of MedAssent DDS which is revolutionizing dental care by empowering both patients and dentists to embrace a future free from smile denial.
Lauren Fang is a pioneering force in digital health, co-founding MedAssent DDS with a vision to revolutionize dental care. With a deep-rooted connection to the dental world and expertise in biotech and digital health, Lauren has helped create a platform that bridges critical gaps in dental practice.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach were recently recognized when she became a finalist at the Women’s Venture Summit’s annual Women’s Fast Pitch.
SAMANTHA PANTAZOPOULOS
Samantha is the founder of Vizer, a philanthropic app that generates a meal for someone in need each time an app user logs 30 minutes of daily exercise. The app has generated 1M+ meals to date.
Attending Women's Venture
Summit in 2017 was a gamechanger for Samantha Within a year of attending the Summit, Sam and her co-founder and cousin Dylan Barbour launched their fitness app Vizer and were awarded a $500,000 grant By year two, they increased in-app partners and sponsors, hired their first employee, and completed several business accelerator programs.
