AN INCLUSIVE START-UP  COMMUNITY

We are the paradigm shift.

Broad, diverse, early. We back the founders that get overlooked.
Guests mingling at a MinervaVerse community event

We invest in the founders that
get overlooked.

Fund 1 is fully deployed

Meet the Portfolio →

ABOUT MINERVAVERSE

Why we started MinervaVerse.

Our mission: support underrepresented entrepreneurs by bridging gaps in financial access, education, and mentorship, and invite more women to the investment table

Who we are

MinervaVerse is a female-founded venture fund based in Rancho Cordova, California, in the Sacramento region. We invest in early-stage founders who are often overlooked by traditional venture capital, especially women and founders of color.

MinervaVerse was founded by Anne Descalzo and Rachel Zillner, two entrepreneurs who faced the funding gap firsthand while building their own company. The name comes from Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, and reflects our belief that knowledge, access and community move founders forward.

Through Fund 1, MinervaVerse backed 40+ early-stage companies. Fund 1 is fully deployed. Stay in touch with us at info@minerva-verse.com and on LinkedIn to follow the progress of our portfolio companies.

Frequently asked questions

What is MinervaVerse?

MinervaVerse is a female-founded venture fund in Rancho Cordova, California, that invests in early-stage, underrepresented founders.

Who founded MinervaVerse?

Entrepreneurs Anne Descalzo and Rachel Zillner, co-founders of the Sacramento consulting firm Clutch.

Where is MinervaVerse located?

Rancho Cordova, California, in the Sacramento region.

What kinds of founders does MinervaVerse support?

Early-stage founders who are underrepresented in venture capital, with a focus on women and founders of color.

Is MinervaVerse investing right now?

Fund 1 is fully deployed. Follow MinervaVerse by email and on LinkedIn for updates on our portfolio companies.

How can I contact MinervaVerse?

Email info@minerva-verse.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

"We are dedicated to empowering forward-thinking women and people of color innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs
through mentorship and funding."

2.1%

of VC funding went to women-founded startups in 2022

<1%

went to women founders of color

2x

value per dollar invested vs. male-founded startups