Astia (FKA the Women's Technology Cluster) today presented its Third Annual National Venture Capital Awards. Kara Swisher of the Wall Street Journal was the evening's host, and let slip some choice bits such as "Don Imus remains an asshole, even if he's been fired." There were also a few sharp statistics shared - for example, the national average of investment funding for women-led or women-founded companies is only 4%. Tonight's winners far outstripped this with an average of 25%. Here's who was celebrated:
Bill Campbell: The 2007 Deloitte Leadership Award
Bill Campbell of Intuit was given the 2007 Deloitte Leadership Award in recognition of his mentoring of women executives. After hearing the testimonials, I have a whole new level of respect for the man. Heidi Roizen of Mobius Venture Capital noted that despite Campbell's colorful use of language and 'being a guy's guy,' he is committed to advancing women in management. Campbell himself shared that he's "impressed by those women who come Silicon Valley not just to survive, but to prosper...Silicon Valley has to do better; I came here believing that this was a meritocracy. You survive by being fit, by being better than others and by being recognized for it." He also called out that "in the male-centric valley, we often forget cultural patterns that exclude women...I won't be satisfied until the playing field is level, and everyone has the same cultural opportunity."
The Intuit Women's Network is an effort towards a more level playing field. Campbell believes that "Intuit is a better company because of its visible women leaders and their ability to attract a better and better applicant pool...We have to believe that talented women want to found companies. To continue to be leaders, we must recognize the capability and uniqueness of women entrepreneurs."
ATV and Cardinal Partners: The Diversified Portfolio Award
Astia CEO Jennifer McFarlane announced that there was actually a tie for the largest percentage of investments in women CEOs. Both Alliance Technology Ventures (ATV) and Cardinal Partners made 40% of their 2006 investments into women-led startups.
Robert Curry of ATV noted that as investors, they can never find enough management talent. In addition to investing in women entrepreneurs, they've invested into 'training new leaders.' Half of their alumni are women, and they're working to move these women into executive positions in the life sciences industry.
John Clarke of Cardinal gave the most audacious acceptance speech of the evening - apparently, the poor guy was born into a family with five sisters, married into a family of five sisters, and created a family of four daughters. With the expected results. Kara Swisher's teasing response: "You're more of a woman than we'll ever be."
Venrock Associates and Prolog Ventures: The Shattered Glass Awards
The Shattered Glass Awards were presented to the funds with the most actual 2006 investments with women. For funds under $250 million, the winner was Prolog Ventures. Over $250 million, the winner was Venrock Associates. Partner Tony Sun wrapped things up nicely: "The real rock stars here are the entrepreneurs...our presence here is a celebration of the entrepreneurs of Venrock."
