MergeLane

What is MergeLane?

MergeLane is an investment fund that targets companies run by exceptional women, aiming to bring more women into the startup community and to achieve returns through the acceleration of high-growth, gender-diverse companies. Founded by Elizabeth Kraus and Sue Heilbronner, it not only provides financial support but also offers a comprehensive 12-week program that supports these female-led companies in their development.

Companies eligible for this program should have at least one female in a leadership role and demonstrate some level of traction, without restriction to specific industries. The program is designed to be accommodating to founders, requiring merely three weeks of residency in Boulder, thus appealing to those who are unable to relocate for the entire duration. Each participating company in the MergeLane program receives an initial $20,000 investment in exchange for 6% of common stock, with potential for additional investment post-acceptance.

Furthermore, in-kind services are provided to enrich the participants' experience.

As an investor, MergeLane's ethos is rooted in the belief that gender diversity yields positive returns, therefore, their portfolio only includes companies that have women as part of their leadership team. Since its inception in 2015, MergeLane has invested in 44 companies and continues to support women-run businesses, capitalizing on the data showing their enhanced performance.

The fund specializes in Early Stage and Seed investments, with a minimum pitch of $1,000,000 and a maximum of $3,386,831.

What they say:

We focus on empowering and supporting ventures with diverse leadership.

What we look for: We invest in high-potential early-stage companies and funds with at least one female leader.