Why We Focus on Lending to Women—and to Men Entrepreneurs

Women-led startups receive less than 3% of VC funding, yet outperform when they do. JPalmer Collective was built to change that equation while supporting all founders with flexible, non-dilutive capital.

The Gender Gap in Business Leadership

In finance, one thing becomes clear the moment you walk into a boardroom: women are still underrepresented. Despite progress, there remain far fewer women business owners and leaders than men.

As a female leader in this male-dominated industry—and as the mother of four daughters—I’ve felt this reality deeply. When I became the first woman to serve as president of a finance firm and later founded my own, I made a commitment: to help level the playing field for female founders.

Breaking Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs

Recent data underscores why this matters. Women entrepreneurs continue to face disproportionate barriers when raising capital. In fact, startups founded solely by women received only about 1% of venture capital funding in 2024.

That’s why I’m proud that in just two and a half years, 80% of the companies in our portfolio are led, owned, or founded by women.

Supporting All Exceptional Leaders

Supporting women isn’t the whole story. At our firm, we are committed to backing all companies—women- and men-led alike—that are seeking a true collaborative partner to scale their businesses.

Our priority is to invest in strong leaders, exceptional teams, and brands with the potential to transform their industries.

Our Portfolio: Success Stories of Women and Men

We’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding companies like CleanCult and Hippeas, bringing together men and women equally passionate about their work.

From industrial enterprises to consumer brands, JPalmer Collective partners with businesses ready to move the needle. Sometimes that means helping a woman founder secure the capital she deserves; other times it’s about supporting a family-owned company through its next stage of growth.

Our Mission: Invest in Vision and Drive

At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to invest in people, ideas, and companies with the vision and drive to change their industries—and the world.

Learn more about our approach on the Our Purpose page.

Meet our team of experts here.

Explore the companies we partner with on our Clients page.


Ready to scale your business with a collaborative partner? Contact us today and let’s grow together!
Woman standing next to an easel with a graph showing upward growth

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Credit Agreement

For many founders, securing a credit facility feels like crossing the finish line. In reality, it’s the starting gun for a long-term operating relationship that will shape how you run your business for years to come.

Asset-based lender reviewing CPG brand funding criteria

What Asset-Based Lenders Look for in CPG Brands

The short answer: Asset-based lenders evaluate CPG brands across five core criteria: the leadership team’s track record, clear product differentiation, a credible omnichannel distribution plan, a disciplined financial roadmap, and a diversified sourcing strategy. Strong receivables and inventory matter, but lenders fund the operators and the plan behind those assets, not just the balance sheet.

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