A Powerful Afternoon at Portershed: Watching “Show Her The Money”

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a screening of the documentary “Show Her The Money” at PorterShed Market Street, surrounded by sixty plus incredible women from various walks of life. The energy in the room was electric, with a shared anticipation for a documentary that promised to shed light on the stark realities faced by women entrepreneurs.

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear this was not just another documentary. Directed by the talented Ky Dickens, “Show Her The Money” dives deep into the pervasive issue of gender disparity in venture capital funding. Did you know, women receive less than 2% of venture capital funds, a shocking statistic that the documentary seeks to address by following the journeys of four visionary female founders.

Vicky Pasche of Dapper Boi, Jasmine Jones of Myya, Diipa Büller-Khosla of indē wild, and Marian Leitner of Archer Roose are the stars of this story. Their struggles and triumphs are laid bare, each entrepreneur displaying remarkable resilience and creativity in the face of systemic challenges. Their businesses, ranging from gender-neutral apparel to luxury canned wines, are not only innovative but also poised to make significant impacts in their respective industries.

What stood out the most was the raw, unfiltered look into their lives. These women are not just business founders; they are pioneers who, despite numerous obstacles, push forward with unwavering determination. The documentary does an excellent job of humanising their experiences, making it easy for the audience to connect and empathise with their journeys.

The film also features prominent female investors like Dawn LaFreeda, a self-made millionaire who owns the most Denny restaurants of any woman in the United States, Pocket Sun, the youngest woman to start her own VC fund, and Wendy Ryan, who uses her generational wealth to back women and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Their insights and actions are not only inspiring but also serve as a call to action for more women to step into the world of investing.

An unexpected highlight was the participation of TV icon Sharon Gless, both as an executive producer and featured interviewee. Her reflections on the historical context of women and money added depth to the film, making it clear that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.

Throughout the screening, there were moments of laughter, gasps of surprise, and even tears. The shared experience in that room, among sixty women, was profound. It was not just about watching a film; it was about recognising a collective struggle and the potential for change. As the credits rolled, the sense of empowerment was palpable.

Following the documentary, a panel discussion with Dr. Rachel Hilliard from the University of Galway and Máirin Murray of TechFoundHer provided an engaging forum for further exploration of the themes presented in the film. The conversation was so compelling that it could have continued for hours. Audience members eagerly shared their personal experiences, highlighting both the challenges they have faced and the victories they have achieved in their entrepreneurial journeys. The dialogue was rich with insights and left many feeling even more inspired to push for greater equity in venture funding.