By: Jared Kim

When Catherine Gray set out to create the documentary Show Her the Money, she tapped into a powerful, underreported narrative: the stories of women entrepreneurs and investors navigating a venture capital world historically dominated by men. The film earned wide acclaim for its candid portrayal of the funding disparities women face, and for spotlighting trailblazing women reshaping that landscape.

But Gray’s vision didn’t stop there. Recognizing the wealth of inspiring stories behind the film—those of not only the women featured onscreen but also the investors and supporters who made the project possible—she expanded her storytelling into a full-length book. The result, also titled Show Her the Money, dives deeper into the triumphs, struggles, and unheralded contributions that the documentary could only begin to capture.

Expanding the Narrative

“When we finished the film, I realized how extraordinary all the women featured in it were,” Gray explains. “But also those who invested in the film and made it possible to create. They all have such incredibly remarkable stories that I knew it would make a great book!”

The book is more than a companion piece; it’s an extension and enrichment of the conversations sparked by the documentary. While the film highlights the entrepreneurial journeys of women founders facing and overcoming funding barriers, the book goes beyond, offering a broader, more detailed view of the ecosystem that supports this movement.

“The movie features unbelievable stories of the entrepreneurial journey,” Gray says. “However, I knew a book would be an opportunity to expand on all the incredible women who made the movie possible—and who have their own super triumphant accomplishments that will inspire so many others.”

This expansion allows readers to learn about the investors, advocates, and behind-the-scenes champions whose work is essential to changing venture capital’s gender dynamics. It also includes candid insights on how the film was cast and the impact it has had, creating a more immersive and multifaceted narrative than what the film format could accommodate.

Challenges and Opportunities in Transitioning Mediums

Turning a documentary—a medium rooted in visual storytelling and emotional immediacy—into a written narrative posed unique challenges and surprises for Gray. “It gave us an opportunity to expound on even more interesting and thought-provoking stories than just those in the movie,” she reflects.

The book’s format allows for thoughtful exploration of themes that demand nuance and space: how the venture capital system is evolving, the significance of women starting funds, and the cultural shifts driving more equitable investment practices. It also reveals behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the documentary itself, offering a meta-narrative about the power of storytelling as a tool for change.

Gray notes, “We got to talk about how the movie was cast, the impact it’s had, and more of the behind-the-scenes.”

Perhaps most significantly, the book gives voice to individuals who made making the film possible by lending their financial support, ideas and wisdom. “Absolutely—the book allowed us to tell the stories of all the incredible women and men that made creating the movie possible,” she says. These accounts illuminate the collective effort behind the scenes—from investors to production staff—underscoring the communal nature of this movement for equity.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

At its core, Show Her the Money—both the film and the book—is a call to action. Gray envisions it as a blueprint for rewriting the rules of business and finance, inspiring women to start funds, invest, and claim their rightful space in venture capital. The book’s detailed accounts of resilience, grit, and vision make this call tangible and urgent.

“This isn’t just about raising money,” Gray emphasizes. “It’s about creating a positive impact for generations to come. Women funding women drives innovation, inclusivity, and economic empowerment.”

The book has resonated widely, drawing praise from industry leaders like Julie Castro Abrams, Founder if How Women Invest, who applauded its role in encouraging women and girls to become angel investors, and Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, who recognized its honoring of trailblazers making venture capital more equitable.

Engaging a Broader Audience

Gray’s choice to expand into print reflects a broader trend: the recognition that some stories require multiple platforms to reach diverse audiences effectively. The book’s 280 pages allow readers to immerse themselves in the nuances of entrepreneurship, investment, and storytelling that the documentary’s runtime couldn’t contain.

The hardcover edition features a visually engaging design that complements its inspiring content, making it accessible for readers ranging from aspiring entrepreneurs to seasoned investors. Gray’s narrative strikes a balance between personal anecdotes and broader industry insights, making complex financial issues relatable and compelling.

Looking Ahead

Show Her the Money is more than a documentation of progress—it’s a living movement. Gray’s hope is that readers will not only be informed and inspired but also motivated to participate actively in reshaping the venture capital landscape.

Reflecting on her journey from filmmaker to author, Gray remarks, “There are so many incredible stories still to be told. This book is one step in amplifying those voices and creating the space for more women to succeed on their own terms.”

For anyone passionate about gender equity, entrepreneurship, or the power of storytelling to drive social change, Catherine Gray’s Show Her the Money offers an indispensable guide and rallying cry—proving that when women show up for each other, the possibilities are limitless.

Disclaimer: The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult with a professional before making any financial or business decisions.