Regina Gomez (MBA ’25) shares exciting new businesses created by female HBS alumni.
When I applied to HBS, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wrote about it in my essay, full of excitement and ambition. But after my first year during the RC, I was struck by just how difficult the entrepreneurial journey truly is. Professor Reza Satchu has shared multiple times that, “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart… it is all about commitment” and I have realized how true that is, especially for women.
My own hesitation in committing fully to entrepreneurship stems not just from self-doubt, but from the harsh realities faced by female founders. According to Pitchbook, in 2023, “women-founded startups accounted for just 2% or less of venture capital (VC) funding in the US and Europe.” Harvard Kennedy School’s data echoes this, with only 13% of venture capital dollars going to startups with a woman on the founding team. Even more concerning for me as a Latina, McKinsey reports that “only 0.1% of VC funding went to Black and Latina women founders.”
Despite these sobering statistics, there are women, especially HBS alumni, who are defying the odds and building groundbreaking businesses. My intention in writing this article is not to dissuade you from entrepreneurship, but to show you the courage and resilience of those who came before us. These HBS female founders, particularly Latinas, are paving the way for all of us. Their stories inspire us to believe that we can overcome the odds and reshape the future of entrepreneurship. Here are three phenomenal examples:
Plenna by Giovanna Abramo (MBA ’22)
Plenna is a pioneering femtech company providing accessible healthcare services to middle-income women in Mexico. Offering a comprehensive suite of services, from gynecology to nutrition and psychology, Plenna enables women to take control of their reproductive and sexual health. Launched during Giovanna’s MBA journey, the startup has raised over $6M USD, has appeared in Shark Tank Mexico, and has expanded to three clinics in Mexico City. In just three years, Giovanna has built a team of over 30 people, proving that when women’s health is prioritized, businesses can thrive.
Ponte by Stephanie Murra (MBA ’23) and Lorenza Velez (MBA ’23)
Ponte connects qualified Latin workers with employers in the U.S., addressing both the country’s labor shortage and the needs of Hispanic immigrants. Stephanie and Lorenza conceived Ponte during their time at HBS and have successfully raised $500K USD from investors like MBA Ventures and Better Tomorrow Ventures. Their business is not only creating jobs but also empowering immigrants to achieve fair and fulfilling work, demonstrating the profound impact entrepreneurship can have on both communities and economies.
Habi by Brynne McNulty (MBA ’16)
A true trailblazer, Brynne co-founded Habi, a prop-tech company simplifying real estate transactions for middle-class consumers in Colombia and Mexico. Identifying a fragmented real estate market in Colombia, Brynne launched Habi, which uses data analytics to reduce sales time and provide transparency. Today, Habi has raised over $500M USD and is one of the few unicorns in Latin America, with over 1,000 employees. Brynne’s journey proves that even in a complex market, bold innovation can lead to extraordinary success.
My Call to Action
To my fellow aspiring female founders, especially those who belong to underrepresented minorities: do not let the statistics deter you. We can redefine the entrepreneurial landscape. And to the rest of the HBS community, I urge you to take up the mantle of supporting diversity in entrepreneurship. Many of you will soon be in positions to invest in or back innovative businesses. When that time comes, remember to look for the extraordinary women and Latinos leading the charge.
We can all be part of this change.
Regina Gomez (MBA ’25) was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey with a degree in Economics. Prior to HBS she worked at Mastercard and an early-stage fintech as a Global Strategy and Operations Manager specializing in the payments industry.
Comments