The HERmesa Story

Hermesa has been the perfect way for me to add value to the startup ecosystem and to start my angel investment journey. Not only have I met some amazing female founders and invested in some great companies, but working on deals with the other angels in the Hermesa network has been invaluable to my development as an investor.

Angel investing always interested me, but without having an experienced, inclusive guide, it’s a difficult arena to enter. HERmesa has welcomed me, held my hand but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, in the best way. I’ve connected with inspiring, talented professionals who I learn from regularly. It’s truly a unique community.

The stats about £0.01 in every £1 of VC cash being invested in all women founded businesses is depressing, so it's refreshing to find a community actively taking steps to redress the imbalance. It was a no-brainer to join Hermesa's welcoming community, with the opportunity to participate in due diligence processes, screening processes, improving my knowledge and make strides in our shared vision.

There are so many good reasons and responses to "why HERmesa"- the community of exceptional women, the humble, diligent, and supportive approach to all founders and deals - whether or not they all get funded - the reciprocation from female founders leaving space for HERmesa at the table while other VCs don't get access, the events and networking opportunities, the chance to contribute to something larger than oneself, the ability to put women founders front and center when they otherwise often get overlooked and underfunded, the low ticket size allowed in participating in deals, but most importantly - why not HERmesa? I can't think of one good reason NOT to be involved, invested, and interested.

HERmesa is able to attract high quality deal flow because of the network and reputation of Marla and the larger group. The DD-informed Info Memo they put out is very helpful to cut through the pertinent issues. The group is highly focused. Also, I recommend to new angel investors that HERmesa is a place to cut their teeth around nice people who are always there to help.

As soon as I heard about Hermesa and the mission that Marla was on, joining was a no-brainer for me. I was just in the process of moving into investing from operating and was craving for a women's network that was also supportive and inclusive. The members and angel investors at Hermesa come from the broadest range of backgrounds, which is very impactful for founders. I have been lucky to see this first hand across the many connections and Hermesa programs. The investors truly care about funding the best businesses and helping them scale while also improving the funding gap for women.