Citrine Angels: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Citrine Angels is a unique and influential female-only angel investment group based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to empowering women both as investors and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2019, this nonprofit organization focuses exclusively on supporting female-founded startups through early-stage investments, mentorship, and education. In an industry where women often face funding disparities, Citrine Angels aims to bridge the capital gap by mobilizing female investors to back female entrepreneurs. Over the years, its members have invested millions of dollars in innovative companies, driving economic growth and fostering a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. The following points explore Citrine Angels’ mission, impact, and significance in the world of angel investing for women.

1. Origins and Mission

Citrine Angels was established in late 2019 by a group of dynamic women including Allyson Redpath, Lisa Friedlander, Stephanie Bauer Marshall, and Aurelia Flores. The group’s name is inspired by the citrine gemstone, symbolizing prosperity and positivity—values the organization embodies to manifest success for female investors and founders. Citrine Angels’ mission is clear: to support the growth of female-founded businesses and increase women’s access to investment opportunities. This focus addresses an important funding gap, as women-led startups have historically received a smaller portion of venture capital.

2. Female-Only Membership Model

One of Citrine Angels’ defining features is its exclusive female membership, which creates a supportive environment for women interested in early-stage investing. Members are typically accredited investors with a net worth exceeding $1 million or with substantial annual income, enabling them to make significant investments in startups. The group caters both to experienced angel investors and to newcomers, providing education and mentorship to help women confidently navigate the complexities of angel investing.

3. Investment Focus and Impact

Since its founding, Citrine Angels’ membership of over 80 women investors has collectively deployed more than $1.75 million into female-founded startups. Their portfolio includes companies from diverse sectors such as health tech, financial services, and consumer products. Investments typically target seed or early-stage rounds, accelerating startups' growth potential. Citrine Angels is recognized as the largest female-only angel investing organization in the mid-Atlantic region solely dedicated to backing women-led businesses.

4. Supporting Female Founders and Funders

Beyond capital, Citrine Angels aims to empower its members and the startups they back through mentorship and educational programs. Their efforts focus on cultivating female angel investors to become confident funders while providing female entrepreneurs with critical resources and networks. This holistic approach strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem around women, addressing barriers in funding and business development.

5. Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Education is a cornerstone of Citrine Angels’ model. The organization hosts pitch meetings, workshops, and panels where members learn the nuances of angel investing, hear from startup founders, and engage with experts. These activities demystify investment processes and foster a community of support. Citrine Angels also actively participates in regional events such as DC Startup Week and TEDCO’s Entrepreneur Expo, contributing to broader conversations about women in investment and entrepreneurship.

6. Partnerships with Economic Development Organizations

Citrine Angels collaborates with regional partners like Arlington Economic Development to expand opportunities for female startup founders. Initiatives like the “Elevate Your Venture: Arlington Female Founder Series” provide free educational events tailored to challenges women entrepreneurs face today. These partnerships amplify Citrine Angels’ mission by bringing together resources, networks, and targeted support for women-led ventures.

7. Leadership and Board Expertise

Citrine Angels benefits from the seasoned leadership of established executives and investors with broad expertise. Key leaders include Stephanie Marshall, Board President and experienced investor; Barb White, Board Vice President and CEO of The Avoka Group; and Allyson Redpath, founder and governance chair. The board’s collective backgrounds in finance, venture capital, and law provide strategic guidance and lend credibility to the organization’s efforts.

8. Social and Economic Impact

Citrine Angels addresses the critical underrepresentation of women in venture capital funding, helping to transform the investment landscape. By channeling capital into female founders, the group helps create jobs, innovate new technologies, and promote economic diversity. Its investments contribute to closing the gender funding gap and inspire more women to participate actively in entrepreneurial finance.

9. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite successes, challenges remain for Citrine Angels and similar groups, including overcoming traditional biases in startup funding and scaling investment capital. However, the rising trend of women investors and growing awareness about gender disparities present significant opportunities. Citrine Angels plans to continue expanding its membership and influence, fostering a transformative shift in how female-led startups are funded.

10. Future Prospects and Growth

Looking ahead, Citrine Angels aims to broaden its impact by attracting new members and increasing total investments in female entrepreneurs. Its recent launch of nonprofit education initiatives will further empower women to participate confidently in angel investing. With continued strategic partnerships and community engagement, Citrine Angels is positioned to remain a leading force in championing women’s entrepreneurship and inclusive investment, shaping a more equitable economic future.

Conclusion

Citrine Angels stands as a beacon for women in the traditionally male-dominated world of angel investing, merging financial support with education and mentorship to uplift female founders and funders alike. Since its 2019 inception, the group has made notable strides in addressing gender inequity in startup funding, deploying millions into promising women-led ventures. Its commitment to building a vibrant community of women investors not only empowers individuals but also helps transform the business ecosystem. As Citrine Angels continues to grow, it invites us to consider the power of intentional investment in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous entrepreneurial landscape.