Melinda French Gates

Pivotal Ventures

Melinda French Gates is a renowned philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls. In 2015, she established Pivotal Ventures, an initiative focused on accelerating social progress in the United States by expanding opportunity through high-impact investments, partnerships, and advocacy. The organization’s website states, “We're changing the face of the investment industry.” Pivotal invests in women-led funds and series A to C companies that are aligned with its mission. Tiring of the unconscious bias that has resulted in underrepresentation and under funding of companies led by women, Pivotal is proving that investing in diversity can deliver meaningful financial returns while funding solutions that close important societal gaps. The organization understands its reputation carries weight in financial circles and by committing capital early it is an influential capital partner, often inspiring other pools of capital to get involved.