In an industry where venture capital funding for Black women founders remains staggeringly low, Denise Woodard’s journey of founding Partake Foods serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for greater diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem.
Woodard’s venture into entrepreneurship was marked by numerous challenges, yet her unwavering commitment to her vision kept her moving forward. Reflecting on her experiences, Woodard acknowledges the systemic barriers that hinder many Black women founders, emphasizing the stark reality that less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to Black and Latina women. Despite these obstacles, Woodard’s tenacity and resilience have enabled her to raise over $25 million in capital for Partake Foods since its inception in 2016.
Partake Foods, offering allergen-free snacks, has experienced remarkable growth under Woodard’s leadership. With a focus on providing delicious and better-for-you snacks free of the top nine allergens, the company has seen a remarkable 69% revenue growth in the past two years alone. Woodard’s strategic vision has expanded Partake Foods’ distribution from 6,000 to 14,000 doors, securing high-profile partnerships and industry accolades along the way.
Despite her success, Woodard remains acutely aware of the persistent challenges facing Black women founders. She emphasizes the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the startup ecosystem, calling attention to the deprioritization of DEI efforts and the enduring disparities in access to capital. Woodard’s advocacy extends beyond her own company, as she offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly Black women, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Woodard’s advice is grounded in her own experiences and lessons learned along her entrepreneurial journey. She encourages aspiring founders to wholeheartedly pursue their business ideas, emphasizing the importance of unwavering commitment and belief in one’s capabilities. Drawing from her journey of sacrifice and determination, Woodard emphasizes the necessity of staying focused amidst challenges, cautioning against the allure of distractions and urging founders to prioritize their core business objectives.
Woodard serves as a poignant reminder to leverage one’s unique identity and perspective as a source of strength and advantage. She encourages founders to seek out investors, customers, and allies who align with their vision and values, fostering a supportive community that champions their success.
Image credit: Partake
