Pipeline of female-led tech firms gets a boost

A new programme aiming to help female entrepreneurs seeking to grow their technology businesses plus boost the digital sector more broadly has launched – and has received “overwhelming” interest.

The Female Founders Accelerator, powered by Barclays Eagle Labs and funded by the UK'S Department for Science,

Innovation and Technology, is being delivered by Scottishbased Accelerateher (which is focused on female entrepreneurship), and attracted 250 applicants for the initial 100 places available.

The company founders ultimately selected are based in all corners of the UK and cover a broad range of sectors including healthcare, education, food, and finance.

The nine-week programme invited applications from female founders whose businesses are registered in the UK and are currently trading or ready to bring their product or proposition to market. Participants will work with experts in a series of masterclasses, and benefit from oneto-one mentoring opportunities, exclusive accountability groups, and in-person community networking events in London and Glasgow.

Accelerateher also said investors from its sister company Investing Women Angels will provide mentoring support and advise on how to pitch for investment, and the programme will culminate with a showcase event in March where participants will pitch to an audience of investors.

Elizabeth Pirrie, chief executive of Accelerateher, said: “We have a proud history of providing support and mentoring that has helped femaleled companies thrive, and we look forward to delivering those outcomes through this new programme.”