Nope, according to venture capitalist Peg Wyant and other women on the front lines. It has nothing to do with discrimination on the part of men and incompetence by women. Talk to 100 VCs and they will tell you they don't see business plans from women-led emerging companies, Wyant said. Women business operators simply are outside of the networks VCs operate. They are new to the game of venture-capital funding, and have not historically shown up at the conferences, clubs and social circles where venture capitalists are found, she said.
Venture capital is a very clubby business.
Venture capitalists are looking for reasons to say no, not yes. Like many dot-coms, Rosen's company has suffered of late, laying off more than half of its 85 employees earlier this month to cut costs. Despite the setback, Rosen remains optimistic about the opportunities for women business operators seeking financing. Funding will follow. She knows something about VC networks.