Description
xElle Ventures is a women-focused angel investment network and early-stage fund that supports female founders primarily through debt-based capital, mentoring, and marketing support rather than traditional equity venture capital — with a mission to increase women’s access to capital and build a community of female investors.
Specific Funding Stage
Angel / Early Stage / Seed (but with debt focus)
- xElle primarily provides loan financing rather than traditional venture-style equity investments.
- It operates as an angel network that supports early-stage female founders (often pre-Series A), particularly where other capital sources may be limited.
Industry Scope: Industry-agnostic — investing across sectors provided the company has strong female leadership (CEO or C-Suite).
Geography: Primarily United States-based companies.
Investment Amounts & Structure
Check Size / Capital Provided
- Historically, as an angel network, initial commitments have ranged ~ $20,000 to $100,000 per company through debt-based financing.
- The model emphasizes loans and debt instruments rather than traditional equity purchases.
Equity & Ownership Notes
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Equity is not the standard investment structure for xElle Ventures; xElle explicitly offers loan financing where founders keep ownership, instead of typical preferred equity.
- Because deals are structured as debt, there isn’t a universal published equity percentage or “ownership” target typical of venture funds.
Application / Submission Method
Pitch / Submission Process
- Application specifics are not widely published in venture databases; however, xElle typically engages founders through direct outreach and community networks (often through its website and member introductions).
- Companies must be revenue-generating at the time of application to be considered for loan financing.
Eligibility
Founder Profile
- Must have female leadership (CEO or women in the C-Suite).
- Company must be revenue-generating at the time of application (for loan eligibility).
Sector
- Broadly industry-agnostic so long as there is strong female leadership.
Company Stage
- Early stage, revenue-producing companies that may not yet qualify for traditional VC rounds.
Geography
- Focused on U.S. companies.
Process
Initial Submission / Referral: Founders submit basic company details via website or member referral.
Screening: Executive committee evaluates revenue stage, leadership (female-led), and fit with mission.
Member Review: Network members share insights, mentoring possibilities, and capital interest.
Term Negotiation: Loan terms and mentoring commitments are agreed upon.
Deployment: Capital is provided with ongoing mentor support.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Capital via Loans: Non-equity financing that preserves founder ownership.
Mentorship: Guidance from a community of experienced women founders, investors, and executives.
Marketing Support: Member network provides business growth and marketing counsel.
