Gayle Jennings O’Byrne, Empowering Women Raising Capital, Episode 338

Extraordinary Women Radio

Today, I'm honored to welcome Gayle Jennings O'Byrne, a visionary change-maker and leader in the tech industry. She shares her remarkable journey founding Wocstar Capital, the Wocstar Fund, and the Wocstar Academy, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of raising capital as a woman, particularly as a woman of color in tech. With women receiving a mere fraction of venture capital funding, a statistic even more dismal for women of color, Gayle's insights into navigating these waters are more crucial than ever. She'll delve into the trenches of raising capital, offering her seasoned perspective on how women entrepreneurs can effectively access the capital they rightfully deserve. Get ready to be inspired by Gayle's wisdom and strategies as we explore the path to equitable funding in the tech industry. In This Episode: Explore Gayle's personal journey and the motivations driving her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Understand the crucial role you play in raising capital as a woman and the specific challenges you face, especially in a volatile economic climate and amidst pervasive gender stereotypes. Learn actionable strategies tailored to your needs, including running targeted campaigns, conducting thorough investor research, and effectively communicating your funding requests. Understand the importance of self-care throughout your fundraising journey. Emphasize the value of building authentic relationships, demonstrating empathy, and connecting on a human level to foster trust and meaningful connections with investors. Discover the significance of finding purpose and creating impact through your entrepreneurial endeavors. Gayle Jennings O'Byrne is a prominent figure in the world of venture capital, serving as CEO of Wocstar Capital and co-founder of the Wocstar Fund, which focuses on investing in women of color tech entrepreneurs. With over 30 years of experience in Wall Street, technology, philanthropy, and professional speaking, Gayle's impressive background includes roles at JPMorgan and involvement in groundbreaking educational initiatives like Cinema High School. She is recognized for her leadership in various publications and has received prestigious awards, including the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the Tri-Delta Woman of Achievement Award. Gayle is also dedicated to addressing systemic underinvestment in women of color fund managers through initiatives like the Ally Capital Collab. Additionally, she is involved in the arts, serving as an associate producer of Broadway plays and investing in acclaimed productions. “We get up because of the women, the inclusive diverse teams and the technology we want to see in the world.” ~Gayle Jennings O'Byrne To learn more about Gayle, you can visit her website, you can also connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Gayle Jennings O'Byrne's Show Notes