Gender Differences in Startup Investment Efficiency and Business Survival
Cornerstone Collegiate Academy of Seoul, 44 Mabang-ro 2-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06779, South Korea
Abstract
Women are becoming more active in entrepreneurship, but businesses linked with women tend to get a smaller share of startup investment. This study compared women-founded, women-owned, or women-led businesses with businesses associated with men. A structured comparative review of ten quantitative studies was completed. Five studies focused mostly on investment efficiency or broader financial performance, and five focused on business survival. The findings did not show a clear performance advantage for either gender. Women-associated businesses tended to receive less funding and started with fewer assets or smaller teams. Only one study directly measured revenue per dollar invested and found higher revenue efficiency among women-linked startups. The other financial results were mixed, while survival findings also changed according to industry, location, business size, and statistical controls. When a gender difference became smaller after funding or experience was controlled, this did not necessarily mean gender had no influence, because those factors may themselves be linked with unequal opportunities. Overall, resources, experience, and business context appear important, while gender may indirectly influence access to these advantages.
Keywords
Keywords: Women entrepreneurs; startup performance; investment efficiency; business survival; gender differences; venture funding
Introduction
Startups shape employment and competition, yet businesses associated with women still receive a smaller share of startup investment. This study compares women-founded, women-owned, or women-led firms with businesses associated with men on investment efficiency and survival.
Conclusion
The comparison does not show a clear performance advantage for either gender. Resources, experience, and business context appear central, while gender may influence outcomes indirectly by shaping access to funding and other advantages.
How to Cite
Chang, Soomin. Gender Differences in Startup Investment Efficiency and Business Survival. Journal of Youth Impact. September 2026; 1(Issue 3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.66245/jyi.v1.i3.007