Prosper Women Entrepreneurs

Prosper Women Entrepreneurs (PWE) was a distinctive for-profit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to fostering the growth of women-led businesses by enhancing their access to crucial growth capital. Launched in 2015, PWE aimed to address the significant funding gap often faced by female founders. The organization operated primarily through an accelerator program designed to provide not only capital but also a structured curriculum, mentorship, and networking opportunities essential for early-stage companies.

The core of PWE's investment strategy revolved around its intensive 10-week accelerator program. Participating companies received a fixed investment of $50,000 in exchange for equity. This standardized approach ensured that all cohort members received a consistent initial capital injection, allowing them to focus on product development, market validation, and scaling. Beyond the financial commitment, PWE's program offered access to a robust network of mentors, including seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, providing invaluable guidance and support to the nascent ventures.

Over its operational period, Prosper Women Entrepreneurs made a notable impact on the St. Louis entrepreneurial ecosystem and beyond. From its inception in 2015 until its closure in December 2019, PWE successfully invested in a total of 30 women-led companies. These investments spanned various sectors, contributing to the diversification and vibrancy of the regional startup scene. While the organization is no longer active, its legacy includes supporting a significant number of female founders and highlighting the importance of targeted initiatives to promote gender equity in venture capital.