Vicki Saunders

Vicki Saunders is a Canadian entrepreneur and founder of Coralus (formerly SheEO), a global initiative that provides funding to women-led and non-binary-led ventures through a community-based funding model.[1]

Career

In 2015, Saunders founded SheEO, a Toronto-based initiative that uses pooled member contributions to provide venture capital for ventures led by women entrepreneurs. The organization states that its model is an alternative to traditional venture capital that aims to address barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.[2] The organization later rebranded as Coralus in 2022.[3]

Coralus (formerly SheEO)

The SheEO model involves groups of contributors, known as "Activators," who pool funds to support women-led ventures. According to Fast Company, the model initially brought together groups of approximately 500 contributors who each contributed funds to support selected ventures.[4]

Ventures are selected based on their potential for revenue generation and social impact. Funds are distributed and later repaid, creating a revolving pool of capital for future ventures. The model emphasizes collaboration and community participation over competition and traditional investment structures. According to the Toronto Star, the initiative's stated aim is to 'help women change the world - one entrepreneur at a time'.[5]

Philosophy and approach

Saunders has been described by UBS as associated with the concept of "radical generosity" and encouraging an approach that works "in relationship with their community".[6][7] Her work has been described as part of a broader shift toward alternative investment models that combine financial sustainability with social impact.[8]

Recognition and awards

Saunders has received several awards and recognitions, including:

Publications

  • Saunders, Vicki (2017). Think Like a SheEO: succeeding in the age of creators, makers and entrepreneurs. Barlow Books. ISBN 978-1-5031-0365-8

Media coverage

Saunders and her work have been featured in:

See also

References

  1. ↑ Adams, Susan (10 December 2017). "Vicki Saunders Started SheEO to Support Women Entrepreneurs With $1Billion in Interest-Free Loans". Forbes. Retrieved 30 March 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ↑ "SheEO has a bold vision to get venture capital to female entrepreneurs". The Globe and Mail. 2015-08-29. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  3. ↑ Gutierrez, Manuel (2022-07-25). "SheEO REGENERATES INTO CORALUS, UNVEILING NEW NAME AND BRAND IDENTITY TO SUPPORT EVOLVING STRATEGIC VISION". AFV NEWS. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  4. ↑ Mohan, Pavithra (24 August 2017). "This Canada-based funding alternative for women entrepreneurs is coming to America". Fast Company. Retrieved 30 March 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ Wells, Jennifer (2018-10-11). "She's helping women change the world — one entrepreneur at a time". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  6. ↑ "Radical generosity". Sustainability and Social Impact. Retrieved 2026-04-08.
  7. ↑ "The 2022 GenderSmart Investing Summit". Global Wealth Management. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  8. ↑ "Sparking social change with feel-good investments". The Globe and Mail. 2019-07-30. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
  9. ↑ "UBS Global Visionaries: Vicki Saunders and Eva Lindholm". Monocle. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  10. ↑ Toronto, YWCA. "YWCA Toronto's 40th Women of Distinction Awards Gala". www.newswire.ca. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  11. ↑ Weisul, Kimberly (2016-11-01). "Venture Capital Is Broken. These Women Are Trying to Fix It". Inc. Archived from the original on 2026-01-31. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  12. ↑ "Vicki Saunders On Radical Generosity Envisioned By Women In Social Entrepreneurship". Impact Boom | Purpose-Driven Intermediary Helping Changemakers Create Positive Social Impact. 2026-02-10. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
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