Patty Abramson
Patricia "Patty" Abramson | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 7, 1944 |
| Died | August 26, 2019 (aged 74) |
| Education | Elmira College, American University |
| Occupations | Business executive, Venture capitalist |
| Known for | Co-founding the Women's Growth Capital Fund |
Patricia "Patty" Abramson (September 7, 1944 – August 26, 2019) was an American venture capitalist and business executive who co-founded the Women's Growth Capital Fund, a venture capital fund focused on investing in women-owned businesses. Abramson previously worked in marketing and communications, including as a partner at Hager, Sharp & Abramson, before founding her own firm, Abramson Communications.
Early life and education
Abramson was born on September 7, 1944, in Pittsburgh but was raised in Philadelphia.[1][2][3] She completed her bachelor's degree at Elmira College in 1966 and acquired a master's degree in journalism from American University in 1975.[1][2]
Career
Abramson began her career as an account executive at Abramson Himelfarb.[2] She later transitioned to the role of promotion director for the Sentinel Newspapers.[2] In 1979, she joined Hager, Sharp & Abramson, a firm in Washington, D.C., eventually leading to the foundation of Abramson Communications in 1989.[2][4]
In 1997, Abramson established the Women's Growth Capital Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in women-owned businesses.[3][5][2] This initiative was a response to challenges she faced in obtaining credit, even post the enactment of the 1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act.[2][4] The fund successfully attracted $8 million in venture capital in its inaugural year and achieved a designation from the U.S. Small Business Administration.[2][4][6] Over the first five years of the fund, Abramson raised approximately $30 million and invested into a variety of companies.[1]
Personal life
Outside her business pursuits, Abramson was involved in various civic and professional organizations in Washington, including the Georgetown Day School and the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center.[2]
She was first married to David B. Abramson, which ended in divorce.[7][2] Later, she married Les Silverman, a senior partner emeritus at McKinsey & Co. Abramson is survived by two daughters from her first marriage, a stepdaughter, a sister, and five grandchildren.[7][2]
References
- 1 2 3 Hagerty, James R. (September 6, 2019). "Patty Abramson Set Up Venture-Capital Fund to Back Firms Run by Women" – via www.wsj.com.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Bernstein, Adam (2019-08-26). "Patty Abramson, founder of women's venture capital fund, dies at 74". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- 1 2 Bernstein, Adam (2019-08-26). "Patty Abramson, founder of women's venture capital fund, dies at 74 - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2026-04-28.
- 1 2 3 Gilgore, Sara (2019-08-26). "Patty Abramson, local leader for women in business, dies at 74". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ↑ Cowley, Stacy (2019-09-06). "Patty Abramson, 74, Supporter of Businesses Owned by Women, Dies". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-04-28.
- ↑ McGrath, Maggie. "Meet The VCs Who Just Raised $250 Million To Back Women-Led Startups". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2025-09-29. Retrieved 2026-04-18.
- 1 2 Cowley, Stacy (September 6, 2019). "Patty Abramson, 74, Supporter of Businesses Owned by Women, Dies" – via NYTimes.com.