There’s no doubt about it: The tech startup community can be hostile to women.

In next week’s Women & Power issue of The Boston Globe Magazine,women leaders explain that Boston’s tech community has the chance to create a more hospitable culture than Silicon Valley, one that is supportive of women, diversity, and work-life balance.

We asked women and leaders in the Boston tech community one question: What would you say to a young female entrepreneur looking to succeed in Boston? Here’s the advice they shared.

On pitching and fundraising
Many female founders of companies start off the same way: “I’m not here looking for money.” No! I hope you’re looking for money.
Maria Cirino, co-founder and managing director of .406 Ventures

It’s really important to ask the right questions, particularly around funding. There’s very specific language and structure around funding, and if you’ve never raised capital, how would you know these things? It’s OK when you’re starting out not to understand all the complexities, but it becomes less okay after 12 months.
Anita Brearton, co-founder of CabinetM and co-founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Council

On networking
Don’t be afraid — some of the largest strides that I’ve made working in the tech space in Boston have been from cold emails. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people.
Lauren Abda, managing director of The Food Loft and founder of Branchfood