Support for aspiring female founders - IWD 2021

A bank of information for aspiring female founders - from advice, to first-hand stories from women in technology and entrepreneurship.
Posted: 8 March, 2021
“The next Bill Gates isn't going to look anything like the last one.”
Melinda Gates

This IWD, we’re pledging to address the underrepresentation of women in the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

It’s no secret that women are underrepresented in technology and leadership roles.

The founders of the next generation of technology companies will define our future – and we’re committed to ensuring that future represents the diverse society we live in.

We’ve therefore compiled a selection of resources to support entrepreneurial women on their path to becoming global leaders – from guidance, to first-hand accounts and advice from the women who have already been on the journey.

Why should you become a founder?

"It's easy to say one day - but one day will never come. So why not try now?"

Entrepreneur First’s co-founder and CPO Alice Bentinck shares why she believes becoming a founder is such a fulfilling career path for women.

“Women, in particular, are not always encouraged to celebrate things that they’ve achieved so it’s important to practice; and the next time you feel not qualified to be somewhere, remember that it’s probably imposter syndrome and keep going!”
Getting started

Our female founders share their advice

We asked just a few of the women who’ve founded companies through our programme what they would say to others considering taking the plunge.

Read more
Finding a co-founder

"It's essential to find a complimentary co-founder."

Rimjhim Agrawal, co-founder of Brainsight.AI, shares why it’s critical to find the right person to build your business with.

Read her and Laina's co-founder story
“There’s a perception that many founders come from a privileged background. It wasn’t handed to me on a plate... I believe working hard and building relationships allows you to always learn and move forward.”
Finding opportunities

"There's no glass ceiling when trying to found your own start-up"

Speaking to BNN Bloomberg, Masha Krol shares how underrepresented founders can find opportunities in entrepreneurship.

Watch now
Building your network

Find a community

When you’re building a company, your network can be everything – not just for investment and growth, but for mentorship and guidance.

The Entrepreneur First programme provides you with a community of like-minded people to support you on your journey.

In addition, there are 100s of networks and forums for female and minority founders that help you connect with others to knowledge-share and find support.

Below are just some of the places you can find professional networks for diverse founders:

Sifted – 100+ diversity tech communities in Europe

Lean In Circles

Elpha – a professional social network for women 

Know a woman who should be heading up her own company? Nominate her for a one-on-one career chat.