Six challenges with evidence — and practical responses.

1. Smaller funding amounts. VCs fund women at lower rates; seek investors with track records of backing women, and be explicit about the number you need.
2. Double standards in pitch evaluations. Research shows women get prevention questions, men get promotion questions — reframe answers toward opportunity.
3. Network access. Deliberately build networks early; founder communities for women (All Raise, Chief) exist.
4. Work-family trade-offs. Articulate them; negotiate them; don't absorb them silently.
5. Mentorship gap. Pursue women mentors specifically; their advice addresses problems men's doesn't always anticipate.
6. Credibility in male-dominated industries. Over-prepare with data; let work speak; don't over-explain.