#54 Venture Capital Investing: How Women-Led Startups Drive Innovation & Returns

SummaryHow True Wealth Ventures empowers women-led companies to transform health and sustainability through venture capital.In this episode of Alt Investing Made Easy, Dr. Sara T. Brand, co-founder of True Wealth Ventures, shares how her fund invests exclusively in women-led companies improving environmental and human health. Discover why these startups statistically outperform, how overlooked markets like women's health and Silver Tech create massive opportunities, and why diversifying the venture capital ecosystem matters. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or advocate for innovation, you'll gain powerful insights into how capital allocation can drive both profit and positive change.About Our Guest: Sara Brand, Ph.D.Sara has a unique combination of capabilities as a strategic thinker integrated with a proven success record for delivering results. Over the course of her career, she has been fortunate to work with and contribute to some of the top teams in the technology industry and has cultivated a diverse portfolio of leadership experiences:Worked directly for 3 Fortune Global 500 CEOs in both strategic and operational capacitiesLed $300M+ acquisition through integration into $5B+ company to leading the new business unit Led integration program management of a $5B+ acquisition to realize $400M+ in cost synergiesManaged $150M leading Silicon Valley venture capital fund with four other investment professionals Resolved client issues across the semiconductor value chain with McKinsey & Co.Founded the largest draught only, self-distributing microbrewery in the U.S.Sara’s technical roots along with my broad and unique business experiences, including general management, M&A, business development, strategic management consulting, venture capital and entrepreneurship, have allowed her to deliver big impact results for Fortune 500 technology companies and her own startup. Connect with Dr. Sara Brand on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saratbrand/ Top TakeawaysWomen-led companies are outperforming yet receive just 2% of VC dollars, presenting a massive untapped opportunity.Women make 85% of consumer purchase decisions and 80% of healthcare decisions, driving significant market opportunities that are often overlooked.True Wealth Ventures raised $55M across two funds with 80% female investors, breaking barriers in VC.A risk-reduced seed-stage strategy focuses on proven science and acquisition pathways, not just IPOs.Personal experience often drives a stronger product market fit, leading to passionate and resilient founders.Examples like Unaliwear (a smartwatch for seniors) and Refiberd (an AI-powered textile recycling solution) highlight a powerful real-world impact.Education is key: most of their women investors were first-time venture investors.Notable Quotes"When women lead, companies thrive — yet they receive only 2% of venture capital funding." – Dr. Sara Brand"If we don't invest in women innovators now, we risk stalling our innovation economy." – Dr. Sara Brand"Saying no to distractions is really saying yes to your true priorities." – Dr. Sara Brand"Silver Tech is about empowering caregivers and unlocking overlooked markets for aging populations." – Dr. Sara BrandChapters with Timestamps00:30 – Introduction to Dr. Sara Brand and True Wealth Ventures02:24 – Sara's STEM background and path to venture capital06:47 – Eye-opening moment at AMD that sparked True Wealth's mission09:27 – Partnering with Carrie Rupp to launch Fund One11:24 – Why women-led companies are high-return, low-risk investments13:25 – Overlooked markets: Silver Tech and women's health16:09 – Results from Fund One: 12 companies, 0% loss ratio18:44 – Investment strategy: proven science + acquisition pathway21:27 – Success stories: Unaliware and Re-Fibred26:11 – 80% women investors and educating first-time venture LPs32:14 – Why diverse perspectives matter in venture capital35:37 – Sara's personal leadership motto37:28 – Closing thoughts and next steps for investorsCreditsSponsored by Real Advisers Capital, Austin, TexasIf you are interested in being a guest, please email us.Podcast Production by Red Sun Creative, Austin, TexasDisclaimers“This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”© 2025 AltInvestingMadeEasy.com LLC All rights reserved