The world of investing has long been dominated by men, but history has shown that women are just as capable of achieving success in this field. In fact, some of the most successful and influential investors throughout history have been women. These Legendary Female Investors will inspire and motivate you to take control of your own financial future.
Famous Women Investors You Cannot Deny
If its Venture Capital or Private Equity, the number of female investors has increased in recent years. Women like Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, and Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments, have made significant contributions to the world of finance. Often women investors bring a different perspective and approach to investing, leading to diverse and successful investment portfolios.
Aside from individual investors, some organizations focus on promoting female participation in the financial world. One such organization is Girls Who Invest, which aims to increase the number of women in asset management by providing education and mentorship programs creating the future Legendary Female Investors. These efforts not only benefit individual women but also contribute to creating a more gender-balanced and inclusive financial industry.
1. Geraldine Weiss, Investment Advisor
Geraldine Weiss is often referred to as the “grand dame of dividends.” She began her career in finance in the 1960s, when women were not typically seen in this field. Despite facing discrimination and skepticism from her male colleagues, Weiss went on to become one of the most successful investment advisors of all time. She founded Investment Quality Trends, a newsletter that focuses on dividend-paying stocks, and has consistently outperformed the market with her recommendations. She passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of empowering women in finance and revolutionizing the way investors approach dividend stocks.
Weiss believed that dividends were a crucial aspect of successful long-term investing. She saw them as a sign of stable and profitable companies, and recommended that investors prioritize dividend-paying stocks in their portfolios. This philosophy has been proven time and again, as studies have shown that dividend-paying stocks tend to perform better than non-dividend paying stocks over the long term.
One of Weiss’s most significant contributions to the world of finance was her development of the “Dividend-Yield Theory.” This theory states that stock prices should be directly correlated with a company’s dividend yield – the percentage of its share price paid out to shareholders in dividends. She truly was a one of the Legendary Female Investors of our time.
2. Muriel Siebert, Brokerage Founder
Muriel Siebert, also known as the “First Woman of Finance,” was the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. She founded her own brokerage firm, Muriel Siebert & Co., and paved the way for other women to enter the male-dominated world of finance. Despite facing numerous challenges and barriers, she never gave up and continued to break down walls for women in the industry. Her determination and perseverance have made her a role model for many.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1928, Muriel Siebert grew up during the Great Depression. She learned the value of hard work at a young age as she helped her father with his small business. After graduating from Western Reserve University with a degree in business, she moved to New York City to pursue a career on Wall Street. She passed in 2013 and was a trailblazer of Finance, earning her one of the most Legendary Female Investors.
3. Abby Joseph Cohen, Portfolio Strategist
Abby Joseph Cohen is a renowned portfolio strategist and was the first woman to be named partner at Goldman Sachs. She is known for her accurate market predictions and has been recognized as one of the most influential women in finance. Her expertise and insight have helped shape investment strategies for individuals, corporations, and even governments.
Abby Joseph Cohen was born in New York City in 1952. She attended Cornell University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in economics, and later earned a Masters of Business Administration from George Washington University. After completing her education, Cohen began her career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before joining Goldman Sachs in 1990. She quickly rose through the ranks and became partner just four years later.
At Goldman Sachs, Cohen served as Chief US Investment Strategist for over two decades. During this time, she gained recognition for her ability to accurately predict market trends and provide valuable insights into economic conditions. As one the Legendary Female Investors named by VCBeast , Cohen has broken barriers and paved the way for other women in the finance industry.
4. Mellody Hobson, CEO Ariel Investments
Mellody Hobson is the President of Ariel Investments, one of the largest African American-owned investment firms in the United States. She has been instrumental in promoting diversity in finance and using her platform to address important social issues such as financial literacy and inclusion. As both an accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, she continues to inspire others through her leadership and advocacy.
Born and raised in Chicago, Mellody Hobson had a humble upbringing that instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. She attended Princeton University, where she earned a degree in politics before starting her career in finance at Ariel Investments. After working her way up through the company, she became President in 2000 and has since been named one of the most powerful businesswomen by Forbes.
Under Hobson’s leadership, Ariel Investments has become a top-performing investment firm with over $13 billion in assets under management. She is also known for being a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, encouraging companies to prioritize these important issues. As a leader VCBeast one of the most Legendary Female Investors of our time.
5. Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Mary Callahan Erdoes is the CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, overseeing over $2 trillion in assets under management. She has been named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business for six consecutive years and is known for her strategic thinking and innovative approach to investment management. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, she has become a role model for women in finance.
At J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Erdoes leads a team of over 1,200 professionals who work with clients all around the world to achieve their investment goals. She is also a member of the firm’s Operating Committee and its Executive Committee.
Erdoes has been praised for her leadership and vision in navigating through challenging economic climates. Under her guidance, J.P. Morgan Asset Management has seen significant growth and success, earning numerous accolades and recognition from industry experts.
In addition to her role at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Erdoes is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the financial sector. She serves on the board of directors for Girls Inc., an organization that empowers young girls to become strong, smart, and bold leaders creating the future Legendary Female Investors.
6. Anne Dias Griffin, Founder and Managing Partner of Aragon Global Holdings
Anne Dias Griffin is the founder and managing partner of Aragon Global Holdings, a private investment firm focused on long-term investments in both public and private markets. With over two decades of experience in finance, she has built a successful career as an investor and entrepreneur. She is also actively involved in philanthropy, serving on the board of directors for various organizations.
Anne was born in France and raised in the United States. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and went on to obtain an MBA from Harvard Business School. After graduation, she began her career as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, where she quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the youngest managing directors at the firm.
With a strong passion for investing and a keen eye for potential opportunities, Anne left Goldman Sachs to start her own private investment firm. Aragon Global Holdings was founded in 2001 with a focus on long-term value creation through strategic investments in various industries such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and real estate.
7. Sarah Ketterer, Co-founder and CEO of Causeway Capital Management
Sarah Ketterer is the co-founder and CEO of Causeway Capital Management, a global investment firm with over $60 billion in assets under management. With more than 35 years of experience in finance, she has become a leading figure in the industry. She is known for her disciplined value investing approach and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top women wealth advisors. Ketterer is also actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, including serving as a board member for organizations such as the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation and Goodwill of Southern California.
Ketterer’s journey to becoming a successful CEO and investment manager began with her education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Occidental College and went on to receive an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. After completing her studies, she joined Hotchkis & Wiley as an equity analyst where she developed her fundamental research skills.
In 2001, Ketterer co-founded Causeway Capital Management with Harry Hartford, focusing on identifying undervalued companies in international markets. The firm quickly gained recognition for its strong performance and disciplined investment approach. Ketterer’s leadership and expertise helped Causeway grow into a globally recognized investment management firm with over $50 billion in assets under management.
8. Lynn Tilton, Founder and CEO of Patriarch Partners
Lynn Tilton is the founder and CEO of Patriarch Partners, a private equity firm focused on distressed companies. With a background in restructuring and finance, she has successfully turned around numerous struggling businesses and has over $8 billion in assets under management. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities including those aimed at empowering women. Tilton is a vocal advocate for American manufacturing and job creation, and has been recognized by the White House for her contributions in this area.
Born in Bronx, New York, Tilton grew up in a working-class family. She attended Yale University, where she studied biology and engineering before earning her MBA from Columbia Business School. After graduation, she worked at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, gaining valuable experience in finance and restructuring.
In 2000, Tilton founded Patriarch Partners with the goal of investing in distressed companies that had potential but needed significant turnaround efforts. Her hands-on approach to management has earned her the nickname “Diva of Distressed”. She takes an active role in all aspects of the businesses she invests in, often serving as CEO or board member.
Under Tilton’s leadership, Patriarch Partners has acquired over 150 companies across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, food and beverage, and healthcare. She has successfully turned around struggling companies such as Spiegel Inc., American LaFrance LLC, and Dura Automotive Systems Inc. Her unique approach to restructuring and revitalizing distressed businesses has made her one of the most successful female investors in the United States.
9. Barbara Corcoran, Real Estate Mogul and “Shark Tank” Investor
Barbara Corcoran is a real estate mogul and television personality, best known for her role as an investor on the hit show “Shark Tank”. She started her career by founding The Corcoran Group, a leading real estate brokerage in New York City. After selling the company for $66 million, she went on to invest in various businesses and became a household name through her appearances on “Shark Tank”. In addition to her successful business ventures, Corcoran is also actively involved in philanthropy and serves on the board of multiple organizations.
Corcoran’s success story is a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. She started her career with just $1,000 and turned it into a multi-million dollar empire. Her determination, passion, and fierce negotiation skills have helped her not only build her own business but also propel other businesses to success through her investments on “Shark Tank”.
As one of the few female investors on the show, Corcoran has broken barriers in the male-dominated world of entrepreneurship and has become a role model for women all over the world. She believes that being underestimated as a woman in business can actually be an advantage because it allows you to surprise people with your abilities and achievements. An inspiration to many young women Barbara is one of the Legendary Female Investors to keep an eye on in the future.
10. Cathie Wood, Founder and CEO of ARK Invest
Cathie Wood is the founder and CEO of ARK Invest, a global investment firm focused on disruptive innovation. She has become one of the most influential figures in the finance industry, thanks to her successful investments in innovative companies such as Tesla and Square. Wood’s investment strategies have gained widespread attention and she has been named “Best Stock Picker” by Bloomberg in 2020. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts and serves on the board of several organizations dedicated to promoting financial literacy. With her unique approach to investing and strong track record, Cathie Wood has become a role model for aspiring investors looking to make an impact in the world of finance.
Wood’s investment philosophy revolves around identifying companies that are leading innovation and disrupting traditional industries. She believes that these types of companies will drive long-term growth and outperform the market. This approach has led ARK Invest to invest in areas such as genomics, fintech, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technology.
Venture Capital Investments in Female Founders
When it comes to Venture Capital (VC) investments, female founders have historically been overlooked and underfunded. However, in recent years there has been a push for more diversity and inclusion in the industry, leading to an increase in VC investments in female-led startups. This is thanks in part to influential figures like Cathie Wood, who actively seek out and invest in women entrepreneurs.
In 2019, ARK Invest launched its first dedicated fund for investing in public companies that are led by women or have a strong female presence on their boards. The fund’s goal is to support gender diversity and promote greater opportunities for women in the tech industry. This move has not only made a positive impact on female entrepreneurs but also brought attention to the benefits of gender diversity within company leadership.
Female Investors and the Female Founders Fund
Founded by Anu Duggal and Sutian Dong, this venture capital firm focuses on investing in companies with at least one female founder. They have a track record of success, with notable investments in companies such as Rent the Runway, Zola, and Eloquii.
Thanks to these efforts and many others like them, we are seeing more women-led startups receive funding and reach successful exits. This not only creates a more diverse landscape within the tech industry but also brings new perspectives and innovations to the table.
However, despite these positive advancements, there is still a long way to go for true gender equality in the tech industry. According to a study by PitchBook.
For our research, we used articles from Investopedia, Bankrate, Female Founders Fund
Also check out our article on finding the Best Accounting Software for VC Firms
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