Halogen Ventures

Halogen Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Santa Monica, California, specialising in investing in consumer technology companies founded or led by women. Established in 2016 by Jesse Draper, the firm focuses on early-stage investments, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. Halogen Ventures aims to support female-led startups in sectors such as consumer technology, B2B software, media, real estate, and health and wellness. The firm has made 112 investments, of which 107 were in diverse companies, and has achieved 12 exits to date.

Halogen Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies throughout their growth, helping them build networks, gain brand exposure, hire talent, and secure follow-on funding. The firm’s portfolio includes notable companies like theSkimm, Babylist, ThirdLove, and HopSkipDrive. They also have a strong focus on promoting female leadership in venture capital and technology industries. Jesse Draper, the founder, is recognised for her work in supporting women in technology and entrepreneurship and has been featured in multiple publications such as Forbes and Business Insider.

The firm launched the Halogen Fellowship in Venture Capital to address the lack of diversity and funding in the venture capital industry. This programme, supported by partners like Amazon Web Services and Silicon Valley Bank, aims to promote a diverse pipeline of future investors. It also supports the next generation of female investors and entrepreneurs.

Halogen Ventures has also been active in promoting innovation in industries such as femtech and family tech, recognising the growing demand for technology solutions that improve the quality of life for women and families. Their portfolio includes companies like itselectric and Vivoo, which recently secured significant funding rounds to scale their innovative solutions. The firm’s dedication to its mission is evident in its active involvement in mentoring and supporting female founders through various initiatives and partnerships.

Halogen Ventures also engages in advocacy and thought leadership, raising awareness about the importance of funding female-led companies and addressing the gender gap in venture capital. The firm regularly hosts events, workshops, and panels to foster dialogue and collaboration among investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, further contributing to the development of a more inclusive venture ecosystem.

Halogen Ventures was founded on 15 June 2016 by Jesse Draper in Los Angeles, California, to invest in early-stage consumer technology companies led by women. Jesse Draper, a fourth-generation venture capitalist, identified a significant gap in venture capital funding for female entrepreneurs and established Halogen Ventures to address this issue. The firm’s focus is on companies in sectors such as consumer technology, B2B software, media, real estate, health, and wellness.

In its early years, Halogen Ventures began by making strategic investments in consumer technology companies with strong female leadership. The firm primarily targeted pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding rounds, helping these startups scale their operations. Some of the firm’s early investments included well-known companies such as theSkimm, Babylist, and ThirdLove, which have since grown significantly.

In 2018, Halogen Ventures gained recognition for its commitment to funding female-led companies, with Jesse Draper being named one of the top early-stage female investors by Business Insider. The firm continued to expand its portfolio, reaching over 100 investments by 2020, many of which were in diverse companies addressing unique challenges faced by women and families.

To further support diversity in the venture capital industry, Halogen Ventures launched the Halogen Fellowship in Venture Capital in 2021. This programme, supported by partners such as Amazon Web Services and Silicon Valley Bank, aims to increase the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in the venture capital sector. The fellowship provides training and mentorship to aspiring female investors, promoting greater inclusivity in the industry.

In 2023, Halogen Ventures continued its mission by investing in innovative companies like itselectric and Vivoo, which are focused on creating solutions for sustainable energy and health, respectively. These companies secured significant funding rounds, highlighting Halogen Ventures' role in supporting impactful technologies.

As of 2024, Halogen Ventures has made over 112 investments, with 107 of them in diverse companies, and has achieved 12 successful exits. The firm continues to be an advocate for female entrepreneurship and is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at reducing the gender gap in venture capital. Halogen Ventures regularly hosts events, workshops, and panels to promote dialogue and collaboration among investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The firm’s focus remains on empowering women-led businesses by providing them with the resources and networks necessary to succeed in competitive markets.

Halogen Ventures focuses on investing in early-stage consumer technology companies that have at least one female founder or co-founder. The firm primarily targets businesses in the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. Below are the key investment criteria that guide Halogen Ventures:

• Female Leadership: The company must have a woman in a founding or co-founding role. Halogen Ventures is committed to supporting female entrepreneurs and aims to close the gender gap in venture capital funding.
• Industry Focus: Halogen Ventures invests in a wide range of industries within consumer technology. This includes sectors such as media, health and wellness, beauty, fashion, food and beverage, real estate, financial technology (fintech), and education technology (edtech). The firm also supports companies developing innovative B2B software solutions and those addressing family and femtech markets.
• Early-Stage Funding: The firm looks for companies in their early stages of development, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. These companies typically have a viable product or service and are looking to scale their operations or refine their business model.
• Market Potential: Halogen Ventures seeks startups with high growth potential. This means the company should address a large and expanding market, have a scalable business model, and demonstrate the potential to become a leader in its industry.
• Innovative Solutions: The firm favours companies creating groundbreaking products or services that solve real-world problems, especially those that improve the quality of life for women and families. This could include new technologies, unique business models, or disruptive approaches to existing markets.
• Support Beyond Capital: Halogen Ventures provides more than just financial investment. The firm is hands-on, offering strategic guidance, access to its network of advisors and investors, brand exposure, and help with hiring key talent. They also assist with securing follow-on funding and navigating the path to acquisition or IPO.
• Social Impact: While financial returns are essential, Halogen Ventures also values the social impact of its investments. The firm is particularly interested in companies that contribute positively to society by addressing issues such as gender equality, family dynamics, and women’s health.

Halogen Ventures provides a range of value-added services to the companies it invests in, beyond just financial capital. Their support is designed to help female-led startups succeed and grow in competitive markets. Here are the key areas where Halogen Ventures adds value:

• Strategic Guidance: Halogen Ventures offers strategic advice to its portfolio companies, helping them refine their business models, develop growth strategies, and navigate challenges. The firm’s experienced team and network of advisors work closely with founders to ensure they are on the right path to success.
• Network Access: Halogen Ventures connects its portfolio companies with a vast network of industry professionals, including potential partners, customers, and investors. This network is invaluable for building relationships, finding new business opportunities, and accessing further funding.
• Brand Exposure: The firm assists startups in gaining brand recognition and visibility. Through media appearances, events, and public relations efforts, Halogen Ventures helps its portfolio companies increase their public profile and reach a broader audience.
• Talent Acquisition: Hiring the right talent is crucial for a company’s growth. Halogen Ventures supports its portfolio companies in recruiting top-tier talent by leveraging its connections and providing guidance on building strong teams.
• Fundraising Support: Halogen Ventures helps companies prepare for future funding rounds. This includes advising on pitch preparation, connecting them with potential investors, and guiding them through the fundraising process to secure additional capital for growth.
• Mentorship and Development: The firm offers mentorship to founders, focusing on personal and professional development. This mentorship helps entrepreneurs build leadership skills, make informed decisions, and overcome the unique challenges of running a startup.
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Halogen Ventures is committed to promoting diversity within the tech and venture capital industries. The firm’s initiatives, such as the Halogen Fellowship in Venture Capital, support the development of future female leaders and promote a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Long-Term Partnership: Halogen Ventures takes a long-term view on its investments, providing ongoing support to its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle. The firm remains engaged from early-stage development through to potential exit opportunities, such as acquisition or IPO.

Halogen Ventures has a diverse portfolio of innovative, female-led companies across various industries. Each of these businesses brings unique solutions to market challenges, with a strong focus on consumer technology and impactful products.

• theSkimm: A digital media company that provides news and information through a daily newsletter, making it easier for busy professionals to stay informed.
• Babylist: A platform that allows expecting parents to create customised baby registries, helping them manage their needs and receive support from family and friends.
• ThirdLove: A direct-to-consumer lingerie brand that offers comfortable, size-inclusive bras using data-driven design and fit technology.
• HopSkipDrive: A safe and reliable transportation solution for children, providing rides to school and activities, managed by carefully vetted drivers.
• itselectric: A company developing clean and efficient electric vehicle charging solutions for urban environments, making EV charging accessible and convenient.
• Vivoo: A wellness platform that uses home urine tests to provide personalised nutrition and lifestyle advice based on individual health data.
• Squad (acquired by Twitter): A social screen-sharing platform that allows users to share their screens with friends, enhancing virtual social interactions. It was later acquired by Twitter.
• Eloquii (acquired by Walmart: A fashion brand offering stylish and size-inclusive clothing for plus-size women, acquired by Walmart to expand their inclusive fashion offerings.
• Trust & Will: A digital platform that simplifies estate planning by providing legally valid online wills, trusts, and guardianship documents.
• Carbon38: A leading e-commerce platform specialising in high-performance activewear for women, offering versatile and stylish clothing for work and workouts.
• Preemadonna (creator of the Nailbot): A technology company that created Nailbot, a device that prints art directly onto fingernails, combining beauty and technology for creative expression.
• The Flex Company: A health and wellness company known for its innovative menstrual products, including a disposable menstrual disc that offers comfort and flexibility.
• BabyQuip: A baby gear rental service that provides high-quality equipment to travelling families, making trips with young children more convenient.
• Hello Sunshine: A media company founded by Reese Witherspoon that focuses on female-driven stories across film, television, and digital platforms.
• Oceans Ventures: A venture studio and investment firm supporting entrepreneurs who are building innovative consumer and technology businesses.
• Haus: A modern spirits brand offering natural, low-alcohol aperitifs for casual drinking and social gatherings, focusing on transparency and quality ingredients.
• Winnie: A child care and education marketplace helping parents find child care options and resources while supporting child care providers in growing their businesses.
• Unbound: A sexual wellness company that offers products and resources to empower women to explore their sexual health and pleasure.
• LOLA: A women’s health company providing natural and organic menstrual and sexual health products, along with education and resources for women’s wellness.
• Joymode: A rental service that offers access to unique experiences and products for parties, events, and activities, allowing customers to borrow instead of buy.
• Luminary: A subscription podcast network offering original content from diverse voices, providing a platform for high-quality audio storytelling.
• Live Tinted: A beauty brand offering inclusive skincare and cosmetic products, focusing on addressing the needs of people with diverse skin tones.
• YING: A community platform that allows individuals to exchange services and favours within their local network, fostering cooperation and mutual support.
• Zette: A service that offers access to premium digital news content behind paywalls through a single subscription, enabling users to read articles from multiple sources.