Startups

8 Female-Founded Firms That Experienced Successful Exits

  • 3 min Read
  • November 26, 2019

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

Venture capital investments in startups with at least one female founder more than doubled between 2017 and 2018, according to the latest PitchBook report – and that’s not the only takeaway from the data. Firms with women on their founding teams are likely to exit “one year faster than the rest of the market,” the report notes.



While the data demonstrate positive trends in terms of gender equality in the startup world, this can be illustrated even more deeply by profiling a few female-founded startups that have enjoyed successful exits.


Tatcha



Victoria Tsai started skin-care firm Tatcha in 2009 to help alleviate the dermatitis that she had on her face, and it worked so well that she sold her belongings to create the company so she could sell the products to others. Earlier this year, she sold the business to CPG firm Unilever. Tatcha is said to have brought in $70 million in revenue during 2018 and Tsai says she hopes the Unilever acquisition will help the firm continue to scale.


Travel Noire



Travel and discovery platform Travel Noire was acquired by Blavity two years ago. Founded by Zim Ugochukwu, Travel Noire offers travel information for black millennials, sharing insights from like-minded travelers. Ugochukwu is the US-raised child of Nigerian immigrants, and her startup had been named among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.


Cloudflare



In September, cloud-based network service provider Cloudflare launched its IPO, and co-founder Michelle Zatlyn said the company is working to invest in its R&D and products, as well as reviewing potential acquisitions. The company had revenue of $193 million in 2018 and raised $565 million during September 2019, when its IPO took place.


Mariana Tek



Earlier this month, business management software firm Mariana Tek was acquired by Advent International. Mariana, which makes software for the boutique fitness industry, was founded by Stacey Selden. Selden is a serial entrepreneur, having sold control of the business management platform Flywheel Sports five years ago.


Stitch Fix



Two years ago, web-based personal shopping firm Stitch Fix launched its IPO, raising $120 million during the event. The company, founded by Katrina Lake, uses data science and human stylists to choose clothing for customers. Lake remains the CEO of the company and is also on the board of female-founded beauty firm Glossier.


Eventbrite



Public ticketing firm Eventbrite launched its IPO last year, releasing 10 million shares priced at $23 each. Cofounder Julia Hartz told CNBC that the firm was working to use the funds to continue its growth trajectory, which could mean expanding into new categories or countries. Event creators can use the site to sell tickets to their functions, she noted.


Schmidt’s Naturals



Jaime Schmidt founded natural deodorant firm Schmidt’s Naturals out of her kitchen in 2010, and by 2017 she sold it to Unilever. She continues to work on the business, but also launched an investment fund to support other founders. “Our products were in every type of retailer, to reach as many people as possible,” she said. “We sold mass, of course. But you would also find us in mom-and-pops, luxury spas, co-ops, and natural food stores. We didn’t say no to any distribution channel.”


SheWorx



A firm that helps female entrepreneurs network, SheWorx was acquired by equity crowdfunding platform Republic earlier this year. Founder Lisa Wang built the company for four years prior to the acquisition, bringing it to a membership of almost 20,000 women who worked together to scale their firms. “If you’re going to create any significant change, you can’t keep going down the same old path you’ve always been on,” she said.

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Taxes

How to Maximize Your Tax Deductions: Essential Tips for Startups in Q2

Tax season often triggers stress and complexity—especially for startups laser-focused on building products, acquiring customers, and scaling operations. Yet savvy...

Read More
Startups

Mid-Year Financial Checkup: How to Assess and Adjust Your Startup’s Budget 

The halfway mark of any given year is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a valuable checkpoint...

Read More
Consumer Goods

Inventory Accounting 101: Navigating Costing Methods and Their Impact on Financial Health 

For consumer goods companies, managing inventory efficiently is critical—not just for operations but also for financial health and risk management....

Read More
Technology & Security

Compliance Considerations for SaaS: Protecting Data and Staying Secure

As more businesses transition to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, data security and regulatory compliance have become top priorities. From handling sensitive...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How Outsourced Accounting Supports Scalability in Portfolio Companies 

For portfolio companies, whether backed by private equity, venture capital, or family offices, scalability is essential for maximizing value and...

Read More
Consumer Goods

Insights from a Consumer Goods Expert: Building Brands, Inventory Management, and the Power of Outsourcing

Insights from a Consumer Goods Expert: Building Brands, Inventory Management, and the Power of Outsourcing  In a recent conversation with...

Read More
Private Equity

The Key to Private Equity Success: Strong Financial Oversight and Compliance

Private equity deals are becoming larger and more complex, making financial preparation a critical part of the process. Take Novartis’s...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Navigating Grant Management and Financial Reporting for Biotech Startups 

Biotech startups operate in a unique financial landscape, where securing grants, venture capital, and government funding is crucial for driving...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Financial Compliance in the Decentralized Era: What Web3 Startups Need to Know 

As the world leans into the decentralized era, Web3 startups are at the forefront, exploring the possibilities of blockchain, cryptocurrencies,...

Read More