Accelerating Equity: Overcoming the Gender Gap in VC Funding

Chuan Chen (), Michele Fioretti (), Junnan He () and Yanrong Jia ()
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Chuan Chen: WUSTL - Washington University in Saint Louis
Michele Fioretti: Università Bocconi
Junnan He: ECON - Département d'économie (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Yanrong Jia: Baruch College [CUNY] - CUNY - City University of New York [New York]

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Abstract: We examine the growing gender gap in venture capital funding, focusing on accelerator programs in the U.S. We collect a unique dataset with detailed information on accelerators and startups. Using a two-stage methodology, we first estimate a matching model between startups and accelerators, and then use its output to analyze the gender gap in post-graduation outcomes through a control function approach. Our results show that female-founded startups face a significant funding disadvantage, primarily due to relocation challenges tied to family obligations. However, larger cohorts and higher-quality accelerators help reduce this gap by offering female founders better networking opportunities and mentorship.

Keywords: Venture capital; Business accelerator; Gender; Startup; Structural matching model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-02-20
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://sciencespo.hal.science/hal-05003712v1
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