This event wants to help shift the demographics of entrepreneurship

An upcoming event at the University City Science Center is looking to reverse an unsettling trend: Even though female-led and diverse startups have shown above-average performance, just 2 percent of VC dollars went to female founders in 2017.

Happening on June 14 at Quorum, Female Founders and Funders wants to arm entrepreneurs with tools to navigate “the challenges women face in and out of the boardroom and persuade funders that investing in a female founder is an opportunity rather than a liability.”

Participants will hear advice from female investors and entrepreneurs. Here’s the lineup of speakers for the panel discussion, which will be moderated by Lori Reiner, Partner-In-Charge at EisnerAmper who sits on the board of the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

• Vanessa Chan, Robin Hood
• Holly Flanagan, Gabriel Investments/Her Corner
• Jenn Ehlen, Brazen Global
• Liz Sigety, Delaware Crossing
• Sarah Sommers, iFundWomen

“I think one of the keys to supporting female founders and investment in female-led emerging companies is for more women to become active in investing in these companies — and for women investors to participate in angel networks and funds that are not just for women,” said Delaware Crossing’s Sigety. “Having women at the table in a diverse environment will benefit all.”

(Three related stories: Here’s a list of 45 female venture capitalists in the Philly area, a roundup of tips for a successful first meeting with investors and an inclusion-minded list of speakers.)

After the free event, Wilco Electronics exec Brigitte Daniel and Sue Lohr from Robin Hood Ventures will hold office hours for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.