Avid Larizadeh Duggan is an Iranian-American entrepreneur and business executive who has made significant contributions to expanding opportunities for women in entrepreneurship. Born in Tehran, Iran, she immigrated to America at the age of 12 and has since become one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and beyond. Known for her bold creative ideas, fresh perspective, and ability to challenge the status quo, Duggan is an inspiring example to other women in business that change is possible.
Aside from her successful career as a serial entrepreneur, Duggan is also a powerful voice in the fight for gender equality in the workplace. She is the Founding Partner of the venture fund Zetta Venture Partners and is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for The Female Founders Initiative, an accelerator program designed to help female founders get their businesses off the ground. She is also an active speaker and mentor for many other organizations geared towards helping empower and support female entrepreneurs, such as Code2040, Astia, and the Women’s Entrepreneur Festival.
Duggan’s drive and ambition are evidenced by her willingness to take risks. She has a track record of launching several successful startups, most notably Code2040, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. She also co-founded PlumAlley.co, a crowdfunding site dedicated to helping female-led businesses. Duggan’s ability to challenge the status quo is what makes her an ideal example of female entrepreneurship.
At Zetta Venture Partners, Duggan has been instrumental in funding early-stage tech startups. In both her professional and philanthropic work, she is an advocate of female entrepreneurs and has put in place programs that provide assistance and opportunities for female founders to help keep them competitive.
Duggan has also served on two White House panels—one for tech innovation and diversity, and the other for promoting investment in female entrepreneurs. In addition, she has been a part of numerous other initiatives that seek to increase opportunities for women in the business world.
Throughout her career, Duggan has remained passionate about her mission of providing greater access to entrepreneurship and technology opportunities to female founders. She has become an Influential Ambassador to the future generations of women entrepreneurs, both in the US and internationally. In 2017, she received an international Woman of Courage award for her efforts in advancing women in entrepreneurship.
Placing her feet firmly in the future of the industry, Duggan is committed to staying on the frontlines of progress and progress for women. She has been quoted as saying she is “in it for the long haul.” As a leader, mentor, and role model for generations to come, Avid Larizadeh Duggan serves as a beacon of change for the business world. As a successful entrepreneur, she stands testament to the potential of revitalizing the industry with fresh perspectives and new ideas from women like her. With her pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment, Duggan is paving the way for the equitable success of female entrepreneurs in the future.
