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Inc.’s eighth annual Female Founders list highlights the nation’s top business leaders who challenge the status quo to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems
[Austin, Texas], March 11, 2025 – Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced its eighth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These resilient entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding. Ellen Wood, CEO and co-founder of vcfo, an Austin-based professional services firm renowned for its innovative "Virtual CFO" concept, is one of the most accomplished founders named to the list.
Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of the world’s biggest problems, and cull applicants through three rounds of judging, looking specifically at an entrepreneur’s bona fides in the past year. Criteria include quantifiable metrics such as revenue, sales, revenue growth, funding, and audience size. Inc. also looks for qualitative metrics including social media momentum and stories of impact.
Honoree selection is also honed through the evaluation of the program’s advisory board: Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary; Dany Garcia, founder, CEO, and chairperson of the Garcia Companies; Pinky Cole Hayes, founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan; Anu Duggal, founding partner at Female Founders Fund; Katherine Power, serial entrepreneur and partner at Greycroft; Tiffany Dufu, president of the Tory Burch Foundation and founder of the Cru; and Kay Koplovitz, co-founder and chair at Springboard Enterprises, founder of USA Network.
"At vcfo, we've always believed that strategic insight and innovative solutions are the cornerstones of business success. Being recognized on Inc.'s Female Founders list is a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses through transformative financial and human capital strategies,” says Ellen. “Our v360Ⓡ approach exemplifies how we go beyond traditional consulting to unlock a company's potential and drive long-term value truly."
The founders cross all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey – from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization.
Ellen has been a trailblazer in providing fractional CFO and CHRO solutions, catering to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Under her leadership, vcfo has supported over 6,000 clients, offering an integrated suite of finance, HR, and recruiting solutions across its offices in Austin, Denver, Dallas, and Houston.
vcfo’s innovative v360 business assessment tool represents a breakthrough in strategic business development. This comprehensive approach evaluates critical areas, including leadership, policies, infrastructure, sales, governance, and employee programs. The goal is to provide businesses with 15-20 actionable recommendations to boost shareholder value, leveraging over 28 years of vcfo's professional expertise.
Her exceptional leadership and industry impact have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from Vistage and the Austin Business Journal's Legacy CFO award.
"Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year’s list exemplify these qualities. Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress," said Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom.
Several honorees will be featured in Inc. magazine’s Female Founders issue, on newsstands March 18, 2025. To see the complete list of honorees, please visit: https://www.inc.com/female-founders
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About vcfo
vcfo is a professional services firm offering a customized team model to assist companies with financial, human resources, people operations, and EOS support. As trusted advisors to the CEO and management team, vcfo provides expert guidance and assistance to help solve the most complex operational business issues. vcfo utilizes industry best practices and proven methodologies, enabling business leaders to focus on driving objectives and growth plans. Since 1996, vcfo has supported more than 6,000 clients nationwide.
