The Helm

The Helm is a distinctive early-stage venture firm headquartered in New York, uniquely dedicated to investing in game-changing companies founded by women. Operating with a dual approach, the firm combines a traditional venture fund with an innovative investor membership model. This structure not only provides capital to promising female entrepreneurs but also aims to democratize venture investing for women, fostering a more inclusive ecosystem. The Helm's core mission is to address the significant funding gap that women-led businesses often face, channeling crucial early-stage capital into high-potential ventures.

The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage companies, identifying startups with strong growth potential and impactful solutions. The Helm typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, strategically positioning itself to provide foundational capital at critical junctures for nascent businesses. Beyond the initial investment, The Helm also reserves capital for follow-on rounds, demonstrating a commitment to supporting its portfolio companies through subsequent growth phases. This focused investment strategy ensures that women founders receive the necessary financial backing to scale their innovations.

A key differentiator for The Helm is its robust community of investors, many of whom are women themselves. This membership model not only aggregates capital but also creates a powerful network of support, mentorship, and expertise for portfolio companies. The firm successfully raised $10 million for its latest fund, underscoring investor confidence in its thesis and operational model. Having made over 15 investments to date, The Helm continues to build a diverse portfolio across various sectors, proving that investing in women-led businesses is not only equitable but also a sound financial strategy.