Female-run venture capital funds alter the status quo

STEP into the offices on Sand Hill Road, the heart of Silicon Valley venture capital, and one thing is immediately striking - the almost all-male cast of leading characters.

But there is another corner of the venture capital industry that looks quite different. There, women run firms, and all-female networks of angel investors share deal opportunities and advise one another on investments.

This new group of firms and angel networks - including Cowboy Ventures, Aspect Ventures, Broadway Angels, Illuminate Ventures, Forerunner Ventures and Aligned Partners - stands in stark contrast to the rest of the industry.