Organization · Corporate Venture Capital
HearstLab
HearstLab is a corporate venture capital fund based in New York City, focusing on early-stage, women-led, tech-enabled startups. Established in 2015, it aims to close the gender gap in venture capital by providing funding and strategic support.
Overview
What HearstLab does
What HearstLab is
HearstLab is a corporate venture capital fund based in New York City, focusing on early-stage, women-led, tech-enabled startups. Established in 2015, it aims to close the gender gap in venture capital by providing funding and strategic support.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Corporate Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2015
- Approximate age
- About 11 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Event host
- Last reviewed
- May 5, 2026
Official channels
Find HearstLab elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
HearstLab as a funder
Investment thesis
HearstLab invests in early-stage, tech-enabled companies founded or co-founded by women, aiming to address the gender gap in venture capital funding and generate superior returns while driving structural change in the venture ecosystem.
Focus narrative
HearstLab primarily invests in Seed and Series A-stage companies that are tech-enabled and led by women. The fund targets sectors such as Enterprise Technology, Data and Analytics, FinTech, Healthcare, Media, and Transportation. The startups must have a working product and demonstrated market validation, aligning strategically with Hearst's core expertise.
Value beyond capital
HearstLab provides significant value to its portfolio companies through its unique Scout network, which consists of over 220 senior women executives across Hearst's portfolio. This network serves as a source of deal flow, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, offering founders access to enterprise distribution and talent infrastructure. Additionally, HearstLab's annual Pitch HearstLab competition provides funding and visibility to selected startups.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $100,000–$1,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $1,000,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Seed · Series A
- Regions
- North AmericaAsia
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 60
Portfolio context
HearstLab has invested in over 60 women-owned and led startups, with a collective valuation exceeding $2.4 billion. Notable portfolio companies include: ALL3D: AI-powered 3D design and modeling software for retailers, brands, and manufacturers. Aiir: AI software using computer vision to enhance aircraft engine maintenance. AptDeco: An online marketplace for buying and selling used furniture. Artemis Ops: Streamlines operational and safety insights across enterprises. Audvice: AI-powered podcasting platform for internal learning and communication. Bodily: Research-backed products for women experiencing bodily changes. FreeWill: Platform enabling individuals to create free wills while supporting nonprofits. MamaWell: Personalized pregnancy care through midwife support and wearable data integration.
Capability profile
HearstLab as an event host
Event focus
HearstLab is a strategic corporate venture fund focused on investing in early-stage, women-led technology startups. It primarily invests in Seed and Series A-stage companies across various sectors, including Enterprise Technology, Data and Analytics, FinTech, Healthcare, Media, and Transportation. To qualify for investment, companies must be women-led, tech-enabled, and strategically connected to Hearst's core expertise.
Format narrative
HearstLab runs the Pitch HearstLab competition, which is aimed at finding and funding high-growth, women-led startups. Eligible startups can receive up to $100,000 in investment and three months of hands-on support. The competition is open to women-led, tech-enabled startups that are pre-Series A and have a product in the market or a working MVP.
Participant value
HearstLab provides strategic investment and support to women-led startups, leveraging Hearst's extensive network and resources to empower founders and enhance their growth potential.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- pitch-night
- Recurrence
- annual
- Modality
- in-person
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Selection criteria
- open
- Stages
- Seed · Series A
- Audience
- Founders · Investors
- Regions
- United States
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Key team members include Eve Burton (Chairwoman), Lisa Burton (Vice President), and Beth Devin (Co-Lead).
Past editions
HearstLab has invested in over 80 women-led companies with a combined valuation exceeding $2.6 billion. Notable portfolio companies include ALL3D, Aiir, AptDeco, Artemis Ops, Audvice, Beam, and FreeWill.
Common questions
What to know about HearstLab
Upseed classifies HearstLab under the Corporate Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and event host capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 5, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.