Is it Better to Partner with a Guy?

According to an analysis by VentureSource of more than 20,000 venture-backed companies, those that fare best – whether going public, being acquired or turning profitable – have women and men in top level positions.

Does that mean it’s better for women entrepreneurs to partner with men?

Natalie MacNeil, CEO of She Takes on the World, Inc., partnered with a man and wrote this about the experience:

“We both bring different qualities to our business when it comes to leadership, problem solving and brokering deals.

Some of these differences, in my opinion, are gender based.

He has helped me improve in two key areas that many women struggle with: negotiation and finding focus.”

Margaret Heffernan, author of How She Does It: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing the Rules of Business, explains that women tend to focus on ethics and values (not just the bottom line), teamwork and quality of the work environment.

Men are generally more action-oriented and focused on results.

The greatest issue facing women-dominated teams is the “cupcake stigma,” misconceptions that their ideas are fun and easy, more socially-driven than profit-driven.

Otherwise known as “business light.”

Nevertheless, all-female founding teams like Bauble Bar and BlogHer are experiencing success.

The ladies behind Birchbox have raised $11.9 million in funding since founding the company in 2010. In 2012, they acquired overseas competitor JolieBox.

While women owners increasingly demonstrate they can be hugely successful on their own, research indicates gender diversity may offer an edge.

Bonus PINK Link: Sexism? It’s still alive.

Do you think single-gender teams are at a disadvantage?

By Christine Stoddard

Christine Stoddard is a writer and television producer. She owns the arts and communications firm, Quail Bell Press & Productions, LLC.

“Behind every successful man is a surprised woman.” Maryon Pearson