Stella Foundation Announces 12th Annual Women's Venture Summit: A Bold Gathering for Female Founders and Investors

Lauren B. Leichtman, Cindy Gallop, Vlada Bortnik & Andrea Holland to Headline

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stella Foundation's 12th Annual Women's Venture Summit (WVS), will return to San Diego, CA from September 23–25, 2025. This year's theme, Building Boldly, reflects the Summit's mission: to fuel the growth of women founders, expand the ranks of women investors, and rewrite the future of venture capital.

The 2025 keynote lineup brings together trailblazers across finance, tech, culture, and leadership. Lauren B. Leichtman, Co-Founder of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners and Chairwoman of San Diego Wave FC, recently recognized by Forbes as the world's first woman private equity billionaire, will share her journey scaling capital and impact. Cindy Gallop, fearless entrepreneur and founder of MakeLoveNotPorn, will take the stage with her unapologetic message on equity and inclusion. Vlada Bortnik, CEO & Co-Founder of Marco Polo, will discuss building technology with purpose at scale, and Andrea Holland, award-winning executive coach, will bring insight on leading with bold strategy in high-stakes moments.

Far more than a speaker series, the three-day event features transformative workshops, fireside chats, and interactive sessions designed to close the funding gap. Attendees will dive into sessions on Alternative Capital Pathways for Founders, Personal Finance Best Practices for Investors, Structuring Funds and Syndicates, and Breaking Into VC & Angel Investing, and many more. Networking lounges and curated meetups provide rare access for emerging investors to connect directly with fund managers, and for founders to build relationships with active capital providers.

At the heart of the summit is the Women's Fast Pitch SemiFinals, where six women founders, selected from regional competitions across the U.S., will compete live for more than $50,000 in grants, investments, and in-kind support. The pitch competition has become a signature feature of WVS, with past participants going on to secure venture funding, national media coverage, and acquisition opportunities.

"In a year where political and economic headwinds are dismantling resources, funding, and programs for women, we're choosing to do the opposite," said Flossie Hall, CEO of the Stella Foundation. "Women's Venture Summit doubles down on women, providing the capital, connections, and knowledge they need to get funded. This summit isn't just an event, it's a bold response to the moment we're in – and a launchpad for the companies and funds that will define our future economy."

Dr. Silvia Mah, Founder & Chair of the Board of the Stella Foundation, added: "When women invest in women, we create exponential impact. WVS is the catalyst where innovation, capital, and purpose intersect - and where the cycle of empowerment truly accelerates."

Since its inception, WVS has facilitated more than $250 million in capital for women-led ventures. The 2025 summit is supported by sponsors includingThe Impact Seat Foundation, Comcast Lift Labs, Cooley LLP, Holland & Knight LLP, She Invests, and a growing coalition of partners committed to equity in venture.

Tickets and the full agenda are available at www.womensventuresummit.org.

About the Women's Venture Summit

The Women's Venture Summit is a national gathering that builds bridges between female founders and investors. Designed for aspiring investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and community partners, the Summit combines education, connection, and capital to increase funding for women-led businesses and grow the number of women writing checks.

About the Stella Foundation

Founded in 2012, the Stella Foundation connects women founders and investors to the right resource at the right time. With a community of more than 10,000 women served annually and over $250 million in facilitated funding, Stella offers curriculum, advisory, capital access, and convening events—including Women's Fast Pitch and Women's Venture Summit—to drive equality in venture. Learn more at stella.co.

Media Contact
Laura Henson
HVM Communications
[email protected]
917-539-7812

SOURCE Stella Foundation