FoundHer was created by women for women and provides research-tested resources critical to the success of an early-stage wāhine-led business.
Founding Priniciples
- Investing in women’s education and funding women-owned companies is good for the economy and good for everyone.
- Women should be able to access funding at the same rates as men and feel empowered to ask for more!
- Having kids should not be a barrier to entry in entrepreneurship.
- Cultural grounding is a precursor to entrepreneurial success.
- Women deserve to take up space at the table.
- Exits are not the primary indicator of a startup’s success.
Mission
Our program drives a regenerative economy by empowering Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Asian American wahine entrepreneurs. Grounded in local Hawai'i values and addressing gender and ethnic barriers, we create pathways for lasting community impact through wahine leadership.
Vision
FoundHer empowers culturally driven, ethically conscious, women-led businesses, and serves as a model for Indigenous-serving groups across the world.
Our Impact
76%
Native Hawaiian Founders
230%
Gross Revenue Increase
100
New Wholesale Accounts
$1M
Follow-on Funding Received
$480k
Non-dilutive Investments
$88k
'Ohana Care Stipends
800+
Applications to date
24
Portfolio Companies
Our Team
Darien Siguenza
Program Director
Keanu Wilson
Program Operations Manager
Jess Manapul
Community Program Manager
Operating Partner
The Purple Mai'a Foundation is on a mission to educate and empower the next generation of culturally grounded, community serving technology makers and problem solvers.
Donors/ Sponsors
This website is supported by Grant Number 90NA8490from the Administration of Native Americans within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Administration of Native Americans.
