By: Marianne Hudson, ACA Executive Director

I’ve been glued to media coverage of Hurricane Harvey and the devastation the storm and floods have caused in Texas and Louisiana, with thoughts of everyone in that region.  The photos and videos are so full of unbelievable stories and damage.  As I see the storm finally moving to other parts of the country, I think we angels should start using our innovative minds to supporting the region’s entrepreneurs, the innovation ecosystem, and indeed, some of our member investors.

By: Marianne Hudson, ACA Executive Director

There has been a decidedly female focus to a flurry of news and announcements about angels, startups and challenges for women entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, disturbing accounts of sexual harassment and gender bias dominate the headlines. But there’s another tier of good news featuring women (and men) investing in and supporting women-led startups.

Many of those good news stories start with ACA members, women and men, who are actively working to eradicate gender bias, harassment and discrimination.

By: Marianne Hudson, ACA Executive Director

Angel investors, we can do more to break down hurdles for women entrepreneurs. 

First, all of us at the Angel Capital Association should commit to zero tolerance for sexual harassment. Recently, two dozen women entrepreneurs spoke out for a story in The New York Times. I’m horrified that this issue still exists but grateful to these brave women for telling their stories. Let their bravery be the wakeup call to VCs and angel investors to end sexual harassment, one startup at a time. Addressing — and ending ― sexual harassment in tech startups is good for business, the women and men who work in this sector, and the angel investors who support them.