Angel investing has long been male-dominated, not only among investors, but also when it comes to the companies that receive funding. Research shows that female-led companies often outperform their male-led counterparts, yet they receive only a fraction of the available capital (Forbes). Gulf South Angels (GSA) is determined to change that by backing innovative female entrepreneurs and empowering more women to invest in the companies shaping the future.
With more than 140 members across 11 states, GSA has invested over $24 million in 60 companies, and notably, more than 50% of our investments over the past two years have gone to female-founded or female-led businesses.
Here are just a few of the incredible female-led companies across a range of industries we’ve been proud to invest in:
Biotechnology: NuvOx (Tucson, AZ)
NuvOx is revolutionizing how oxygen is delivered in critical care settings, from treating strokes to battling cancer. Under the leadership of CEO Rong Wang, NuvOx has developed a groundbreaking oxygen therapeutic that can enhance radiation treatment, improve survival rates, and treat a range of conditions where oxygen deprivation plays a role. GSA believes in NuvOx’s transformative potential in medicine, and in Wang’s clear vision to bring this innovation to patients worldwide.
Consumer Products: Pet Krewe (New Orleans, LA)
Founded by Allison Albert-Ward, Pet Krewe began as a fun pet costume company and has since grown into a multi-brand, nationally recognized business from New Orleans. We invested in Pet Krewe because we recognized Allison’s creative vision, strong leadership, and ability to tap into the booming pet products market with both passion and business savvy.
Consumer Products: Joylux (Seattle, WA)
Joylux is transforming women’s intimate health with innovative wellness devices and products. Led by CEO Colette Courtion, Joylux is tackling a historically under-discussed aspect of women’s health with sophistication and science-backed solutions. GSA invested in Joylux because of Colette’s expertise in navigating regulated healthcare markets and her passion for empowering women through technology.
Consumer Products: Archer Roose (Boston, MA)
Archer Roose is rewriting the rules for how premium wine is consumed, making luxury wines more accessible, sustainable, and fun through their innovative canned wine platform. Founder Marian Leitner is reshaping an industry dominated by tradition with creativity and an eco-conscious mission. GSA saw the massive market potential and was impressed by Marian’s brand-building prowess and clear growth strategy.
Medical Devices: Tympanogen (Richmond, VA)
Tympanogen is reimagining how surgeons repair eardrum injuries with a novel, non-invasive technology. CEO Elaine Horn-Ranney’s scientific background and entrepreneurial drive have positioned Tympanogen at the forefront of medical device innovation. GSA invested because Tympanogen’s platform addresses a clear clinical need with strong commercial potential.
Software: Groupize (Boston, MA)
Groupize is simplifying the complex world of group travel and meetings management through an intuitive software platform. Under the leadership of Alisa de Gaspe Beaubien, Groupize is transforming an underserved segment of the travel industry. GSA saw a seasoned leader in Alisa who understands her customers’ pain points and a tech platform that is perfectly positioned for growth in a post-pandemic travel boom.
Other Exceptional Female-Led Companies We’ve Backed:
In addition to the companies above, Gulf South Angels has proudly supported other outstanding women-led ventures, including:
- Obatala Sciences (New Orleans, LA) – a biotechnology company improving medical research with diverse human tissue models.
- El Guapo (New Orleans, LA) – an award-winning craft bitters and mixers brand, reshaping cocktail culture.
- Bookelicious (San Mateo, CA) – an edtech platform helping children discover books they love based on their interests.
- TheraB Medical (East Lansing, MI) – creators of a wearable therapy device for newborns with jaundice.
- MITO Materials (Tuscaloosa, AL) – an advanced materials company making composites stronger and more sustainable.
This push isn’t just about funding more female-led startups; it’s also about building a community where women feel confident stepping into angel investing. Through a dedicated committee led by our female members, GSA is actively recruiting more female investors, giving them a seat at the table, greater access to high-growth opportunities, and a voice in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
We are committed to continuing this momentum, funding the next wave of female-led startups and creating more opportunities for women to lead as investors.
If you’re a female entrepreneur building something bold, we encourage you to apply for investment through GSA. And if you’re a woman interested in angel investing, now is the time to step into this powerful community. Your voice matters, your perspective matters, and your leadership can help shape the next generation of great companies.
Join us. Let’s build the future together!