Startup Deals Thrive Despite Turbulent Times, with AI and Funding in Focus
Despite market uncertainty, startup deals and funding continue to flow, with AI coding assistants, open source databases, and emerging markets seeing significant activity.
Starfolk
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has made a significant foray into the world of business and entrepreneurship, revealing her angel investment in healthcare company Midi, which provides a virtual platform to treat women experiencing menopause and other health-related concerns.
In an interview with Fortune, Meghan disclosed her involvement in Midi's $63 million Series B funding round last March, alongside prominent investors such as Laurene Powell Jobs' Emerson Collective, Tory Burch, and G9 Ventures. This investment marks a significant addition to her growing angel portfolio, which has been quietly expanding since her relocation to the U.S. five years ago.
According to a source close to the matter, Meghan's focus is on investing in companies with at least one female founder, a move that aligns with her commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality. Her portfolio now comprises over 10 companies, spanning early-stage to Series C funding rounds, across sectors such as consumer, fintech, and edtech.
Some of the notable companies in Meghan's portfolio include Clevr, a beverage company, and Highbrow Hippie, a wellness company. While the exact details of her investments remain undisclosed, her involvement in Midi highlights her interest in healthcare and women's wellness, areas that have been a focus of her philanthropic work in the past.
Meghan's foray into angel investing is significant not only because of her high profile but also due to the impact she can have on the startup ecosystem. As a prominent figure, her investments can bring attention and credibility to the companies she backs, potentially paving the way for more female founders to secure funding and support.
The Midi investment also underscores the growing importance of virtual healthcare platforms, particularly in the context of women's health. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the adoption of telemedicine and digital health solutions, Meghan's investment in Midi positions her at the forefront of this trend.
As Meghan continues to build her angel portfolio, her investments are likely to have a ripple effect on the startup ecosystem, inspiring more women to take the leap into entrepreneurship and investing. With her focus on female-founded companies, she is poised to become a powerful force in promoting gender diversity and equality in the business world.
While the exact scope of Meghan's future investments remains to be seen, her involvement in Midi and her growing portfolio of companies with female founders signal a commitment to using her influence to drive positive change and empower women in business.
Despite market uncertainty, startup deals and funding continue to flow, with AI coding assistants, open source databases, and emerging markets seeing significant activity.
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