Every founder knows that securing funding for a startup is a marathon, even under the best circumstances. But for women in the entrepreneurial space, the hurdles are often higher, specifically when growing the new generation.
Historically, women received less than 2% of all venture capital funding in 2022. For pregnant founders, the bias can be even more pronounced. But a pregnant founders raising capital is not an impossible feat.
In fact, this perceived negative can be flipped on its head to become a sign of resilience and leadership. With preparation, transparency, and support, you can navigate these challenges and secure the funding your startup needs. Here’s how.
Timing Matters
The best time to execute a fundraising strategy while pregnant depends on a few things. The most important thing to take into account is the trimester. Early-stage founders should plan to engage with investor meetings during the second trimester, when energy levels tend to peak. If you’re further along, virtual meetings can provide a convenient option to help manage a schedule while conserving energy.
Another important thing is to set clear deadlines for funding rounds. Luckily, pregnancy offers a built-in timeline – birth. Using this as a ticking time bomb will keep you on course and wasting time and resources on the wrong investors.
To Disclose or Not to Disclose?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is if and when to disclose a pregnancy to potential investors. Transparency is essential, but timing is key. Generally, it’s advisable to wait until the investor demonstrates serious interest, usually during due diligence. At this stage, disclosure becomes part of the broader discussion about your roadmap and plans for scaling the business.
When you do share the news, frame it as a natural part of life and leadership. Discuss your maternity plan, including how you’ve prepared your team to ensure business continuity. Investors appreciate proactive planning and the ability to mitigate potential risks.
Unfortunately, biases against pregnant founders are real. Studies show that mothers are often viewed as less committed to their careers, while fathers don’t face the same scrutiny. Some investors may harbor these biases – conscious or unconscious.
However, this can be turned into an advantage. Disclosing your pregnancy can act as a litmus test for identifying supportive investors who share your vision. Founders often find that investors who respect their dual roles as leaders and parents become invaluable long-term partners.
Preparation is Key
Before scheduling any investor meetings, create a comprehensive maternity and resilience plan. This document should outline:
- Leadership continuity during your absence.
- Key initiatives and milestones to be achieved during your leave.
- Strategies for mitigating potential challenges.
This level of preparation demonstrates to investors that you’ve thought through every aspect of managing your business while navigating pregnancy. Include this plan in your data room and share it with investors if requested.
Build a Support Network
No founder succeeds alone. This is especially true for pregnant founders balancing health with fundraising. Surround yourself with a reliable team to handle daily operations while you focus on securing funding. Additionally, seek out other founders who have raised money while pregnant. Their insights can be invaluable.
Outside of work, a strong personal support network is just as critical. Whether it’s your partner, family, or friends, having people to lean on will help you manage the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy alongside the pressures of entrepreneurship.
Take Care of Your Health
Pregnancy requires physical and emotional resilience, so prioritizing your well-being is non-negotiable. Schedule breaks between meetings, stay hydrated, and take time for regular exercise and rest. Burnout will leave you ill-prepared to pitch your business effectively.
Leveraging technology can also lighten your load. Apps for fitness, nutrition, and prenatal care can help you stay organized and energized throughout the process.
Embrace the Journey
Pregnancy doesn’t have to slow you down. It’s simply another challenge to navigate—one that can ultimately strengthen your leadership and decision-making skills.
Momentum is critical in fundraising, so keep pushing forward. Be prepared for rejection, as it’s a normal part of the process. Learn from feedback and continue to refine your pitch. Rejection doesn’t define you as a founder; your persistence does.
With strategic planning, transparent communication, and a strong support system, you can overcome biases and secure funding. Pregnancy is a transformative time, but it doesn’t change who you are as a leader.
About the Author: Tess Danielson is a journalist and writer focusing on the intersection of technology and society.
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