In a recent LinkedIn post, Bettina Briz discusses the profound significance of visibility for female founders, using her best friend Kathryn V. as a powerful example. Briz shares her experience visiting the SFMOMA, where Kathryn is set to be featured in the “Diversify: Female Founders in Focus” exhibition. This personal narrative serves as a springboard for Briz to explore broader themes of recognition, underrepresentation, and the systemic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.
The Personal Becomes Political: Visibility at SFMOMA
Briz begins by recounting a recent visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, noting a distinctly different emotional impact compared to previous visits. This shift in perspective is directly linked to her friend Kathryn V.’s upcoming feature at the museum.
“Because my bestie Kathryn V. is not just walking the halls
She’s on the walls, come May 6th
Selected for Diversify: Female Founders in Focus”
As Bettina Briz highlights, Kathryn V.’s recognition is not merely an artistic achievement but a testament to her multifaceted success. Briz emphasizes Kathryn’s roles as a mother of seven, the founder and CEO of her own law firm, and the creator of moatly™.
Grit, Brains, and Quiet Persistence
Briz uses Kathryn’s story to illustrate the immense dedication and resilience required of female entrepreneurs. She reflects on the personal qualities that define Kathryn’s success, stating:
“I don’t know how she does it all
I just know she does it with grit, brains, heart, and a level of quiet persistence that most people will never understand”
This admiration underscores Briz’s central argument: that the achievements of women like Kathryn are often built on foundations of extraordinary effort that go largely unseen or unacknowledged by broader society.
Challenging Underrepresentation in Venture Capital
The core of Briz’s message revolves around the critical issue of underrepresentation, particularly in the realm of venture-backed startups. She points to a stark statistic to contextualize the importance of initiatives like the one at SFMOMA.
“#FemaleFounded companies are still under 2% of venture backed startups.”
According to Bettina Briz, this statistic is not just a number but a reflection of systemic challenges. She argues that when institutions like SFMOMA provide a platform for female founders, it represents more than just an art display; it signifies a necessary societal correction.
A Spotlight on Seen and Unseen Efforts
Briz frames the museum’s initiative as a crucial act of acknowledgement. In her view, such visibility serves as a powerful signal to women who are often navigating difficult paths with limited support.
“So when a space like SFMOMA makes room for women founders
It’s not just art
It’s a correction
A spotlight that says — we see you”
Briz concludes her post with a heartfelt message to her friend, expressing immense pride and encouraging her to continue paving the way for others. As Bettina Briz emphasizes, Kathryn’s success and visibility are vital for inspiring future generations of female entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Bettina Briz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 17, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →