Julie Castro Abrams is the CEO and Chair of How Women Lead, a national network of executive women dedicated to advancing gender equity, expanding board representation, and increasing access to capital for women-led companies. As an entrepreneur, investor, and gender and racial justice advocate, she has spent her career building women-owned businesses and creating economic opportunities for women. Outside of How Women Lead, Julie is the Managing Partner of How Women Invest, a venture capital firm focused on funding women founders and empowering women investors. Her work has helped shape policy and business practices, including efforts to increase diversity on corporate boards and support thousands of women entrepreneurs.

In this episode…

Building a business isn’t just about having a great idea — it’s about understanding how capital shapes your growth, your decisions, and your long-term outcomes. Many founders underestimate the pressure that comes with venture capital or the preparation required to earn investor confidence. So how should entrepreneurs think about funding — and where are the biggest overlooked opportunities for investors today?

Julie Castro Abrams, a venture capitalist and longtime advocate for women entrepreneurs, explains that success starts with clarity — both in identity and strategy. Founders should only take on capital when absolutely necessary, as it can introduce pressure, higher expectations, and a potential loss of control. At the same time, Julie highlights a major market gap: Women-led companies consistently deliver strong returns yet receive a fraction of venture funding. Her advice to both founders and investors is to focus on fundamentals — understand the metrics, know the market opportunity, and confidently position for growth — while recognizing the untapped potential in backing women-owned businesses.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Julie Castro Abrams, CEO and Chair of How Women Lead and Managing Partner at How Women Invest, about venture capital and leadership in women-led companies. Julie shares what investors look for in founders, how to prepare for funding, and why investing in women-led businesses presents a significant opportunity.