Women play an increasing role in the U.S. economy, but misconceptions about their businesses restrict access to equity capital. Female entrepreneurs only get 5 percent of the total amount of the new capital. These are some of the findings of the Diana project, an American research project that studies women entrepreneurs and venture capital. During the lecture, the visiting Diana researchers will discuss myths and facts on the subject.
One enduring myth is that women generally lack the educational credentials to start businesses. Another stereotype insists that women prefer running hobby-related ventures to high-growth businesses. There is also a frequent explanation for the inability of women to attract a larger volume of venture funding – that they simply don?t apply for it.
Are there any facts behind these myths? The lecture aims to give us some of the answers.